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!

Birdy’s is actually known for playing host to a ton of great local and Midwest bands. But there have been a fair share of regional and national acts as well. On this very stage I have seen the likes of Daughtry, The Fray, Mat Kearney, the Detroit Cobras, and many more. But on Saturday, July 24^th, 2010, there were four bands taking the stage. For one low price—only $8—you could get your face melted by Kramus, Alter Ego, Glass Halo, and Fred Shafer. The bill promised to rock the house. When we got there, maybe fifteen minutes after the doors had opened, there were already about fifteen or twenty people sitting around just chatting. We grabbed a table and got ready to have a great night of music.

Kramus Kicks Things Off

It was just after 9:00 when Kramus took the stage. These guys have been playing the Indianapolis scene for quite some time and have made some major changes over the last few years. Sadly, their former lead singer passed away early in 2008, but they have managed to come back from that and in all honesty, are better than ever. Their old sound was too close to Breaking Benjamin to impress. But now, they are on a whole new level. These guys play with heart, emotion, and are a true rock band. They played first, which surprised me, as they had double booked the night. I disagree with bands playing more than one or two shows a month in Indianapolis (or the surrounding area), let alone on the same night. But they were there. They rocked the stage and managed to get me to hum along for a few minutes.

Fred Shafer Brings the Noise

Fred Shafer, who I felt should have been the headliner for the evening, actually took the stage second. Fred, a guy that travels all over the world playing his songs for anyone ready to listen, has so much heart and passion in his voice and his stage presence. His disc, Resistor, is nothing like what you see on stage. And there is a reason for that. You will like the disc, that’s not the issue. He wants you to like, even love, the album, and then see him perform those tunes live. He wants to take you to the next level. And I have seen him play for ten people before, and it’s the same show as when he plays for 10,000.

Fred is actually a good buddy of mine, and I have been following his work for quite some time. It is neat following his tour schedule and seeing all the places that he plays. It makes shows like this, in smaller and more intimate venues, that much better. You can feel the music here, and he will shake every hand in the venue if he has to. Fred is just a nice guy.

He kicked things off and before the first song is over, he is dripping in sweat. But you see past that almost immediately. Driving all the way from Nashville, Tennessee, he played to a room with about fifty to sixty people in it. But that didn’t stop him from playing like it was the last show he would ever play. His songs are rock, that’s for sure. But he adds, in some of the tunes, an almost country feel. He is wearing flannel (I am not sure I have ever seen him in anything else) and he wears cowboy boots well, but he still throws the hard rock front at you. Regardless, listening to tunes from his album, new songs he has never played before, and some older tunes that you can find floating around the Internet, we got a huge taste of who Fred Shafer really is. He is coming back to Birdy’s Bar & Grill in October, so if you have not seen him, or even if you have, come see him perform this fall.

Alter Ego Rocks the House

I was first introduced to the band Alter Ego by one of their band members. Myles Berry, on bass, asked me to take a listen to his new band. They have been tearing up Facebook and Twitter and are on their way to something big. They all still hold day jobs, but they are playing all over the Midwest and getting their names in front of people. Here in town you can catch a show every few weeks, and getting the chance to share the stage with Fred Shafer is an honor. Myles and Fred have been friends for a long time, and this was a neat show to see live.

I had not seen Alter Ego play live before. But as soon as they started singing, the dance floor filled up. Girls (some intoxicated, of course) began dancing and singing along to the lyrics. It was tough keeping up, though. I was not sure if they did that many originals. They did a handful of covers, some from Godsmack and other popular rock bands, offering a mixture for the fans. It was nice hearing some tunes that I was used to, especially since I had not seen these guys before. And I have to admit, they did pretty good covering Godsmack.

The guys in Alter Ego fit the rock band persona perfectly. They were all wearing black shirts, tight jeans, and boots. They had tattoos and wrist bands and were just playing good old fashioned rock music. I loved watching Myles play. He has so much energy and his facial expressions crack me up. He is not only having fun up there, he knows deep inside that is where he is supposed to be. The lead singer didn’t play an instrument, which I enjoy seeing. There are too many bands out there that focus too much on the instruments rather than the vocals. Alter Ego, however, put a ton of emphasis into their vocals. Their lyrics are just as good, and they match the vocals well. Regardless, I am glad I got to see them perform and they are a true Indianapolis rock band.

Glass Halo Sends Us Home

I have not seen these guys either, and came to this show excited to watch them play. These guys, fresh off of a Battle of Birdy’s win last year, they are $10,000 richer and ready to make something of themselves. They are a complete package too. They have merchandise, professional photography complements of Melissa Brewer Photography, and even a laptop allowing fans to sign up for their mailing list. But when you see their equipment, the way the guys all have that rock band (almost an adult alternative rock band) look about them, you start to see why they are so good.

They play a ton around the city, but they are also playing a lot around the Midwest. As a matter of fact, they recently just played a show with Fred Shafer at the Elbow Room up in Chicago. After winning the Battle of Birdy’s they have an excuse to get out and play more shows.

From the first song I was in love. The vocals are polished, and remind me of a harder Killers matched with a dash of Wilco. Their drummer, who is fairly new to the band, doesn’t get too into the songs, but doesn’t need to. His style, his ability to be heard yet not over the top, is just what this bands needs. No offense to the drummer, but the three guys up front are what we came to see. The lead guitar player was a blast to watch, too. He was dancing around, shaking his shaggy hair, and just having a blast on stage. And the bass player, sporting a similar and familiar faux hawk, was throwing vocals into the mic and just making himself welcome on stage. They were all comfortable up there, and it just makes sense they perform together.

Going on this late it is hard to keep a crowd in the room, but they did a good job of entertaining the crowd they had. I had no expectations coming into this, so I was curious to see what they could pull off. I was impressed, and had the chance to actually meet some of the guys throughout the night. The lead singer graduated from Rose Hulman. The guitar player I was talking about earlier has a degree in public relations. But yet they know how to make good rock music. (They gave me a copy of their latest disc, and I am excited to listen to that to say the least.) I can’t wait to know all the words to their songs.

This is just another night of great music in the books here at Birdy’s. This show was well put together, thanks to the likes of Myles Berry, and kept me entertained from the moment I walked in. if you have not seen these bands perform, at least do yourself a favor and listen to them on MySpace or on their official websites. Regardless, you will be treated with some original, raw, and healthy rock music. Throw those devil horns up and start rocking already!

So how do you pronounce your last name?

It is pronounced, “Floor-een.”

How long have you been performing?

I have been a performer for the last thirteen years, starting when I was only ten years old.  I began as an actor, and picked up music along the way.  I have been performing my music professionally for the past four years.

Tell me your first memory of the guitar.

I remember the first time I got blisters on my fingers, and wondering what the heck I was doing wrong.  I was playing on a cheap acoustic I had bought off a friend for $80, and the action on it was ridiculously high.  I had no idea what I was doing, so figured all guitars were like this.  It ended up being a great tool, however, because then when I played on a quality guitar, I was able to appreciate it a lot more.

Do you have a job outside of music?

I am an actor as well as a musician, so I flip back and forth between the two to make money.  Currently, I am living in Iowa City, working with the Riverside Shakespeare Festival on the shows, Love’s Labour’s Lost and Romeo and Juliet.

Where are you originally from?

I am from Palatine, Illinois.

So are you a Cubs fan or a White Sox fan?

I am a Sox fan.

Do you have a favorite venue?

Goose Island in Chicago has been one of my favorites lately; coincidentally, the city is tearing it down and building a strip mall in place of it.  Way to go Chicago!

What is the biggest crowd you have ever played for?

4,500 in WCA conference in Dusseldorf, Germany.

The smallest?

(Laughs) Definitely have played to an empty house, unless you want to count bar tenders.

Tell me about the Illinois Shakespeare Festival.

I played for the Illinois Shakespeare Festival two years ago after writing some music for a Shakespeare play I was in.  The first gig with them was a troubadour job, walking around the festival yard playing Shakespeare songs that I wrote to a folk/pop/rock style.  I really enjoyed my time at the festival, so the next year I auditioned for them, and ended up landing an acting job with them.  I am playing there again this year, doing my own show of Shakespeare music on July 18^th.

You toured in eight countries over seas. Tell me about that experience.

Europe was a trip, to say the least.  The traveling was not intended to be a tour, but I ended up playing everywhere I went.  I did a lot of busking, and played in some coffeehouses, bars, even at an Irish birthday party.  It was a real adventure, and I plan on heading over again within the next year.

What is your favorite city to visit?

In the states, I love Table Rock Lake, Missouri in the Ozarks.  This is my favorite city to visit, aside from touring.  Overseas, I really enjoyed Palermo, Italy.  It is the most beautiful city I have ever been to.

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

This answer changes every day, but right now I would love to go stay in Ireland for a period of time.

I see you played a show with a good friend of mine, Fred Shafer. What was that like? And how sick is he live?

Fred is a wonderful soul.  We met five years ago at a campsite in Indiana; he was on tour at the time, and I was out to see Dave Matthews with my girlfriend at the time, and her family.  We hung out the next night after his show, and we played together around the fire.  So intimate, but a wonderful experience; he has a great heart, and it shows in every note his sings.

Since that time, I’ve only been able to meet up with Fred a handful of times; life as an artist is very touch and go, and so even though he will always be a brother, we do not see each other often.  He is actually a huge influence for me in my music, and really helped me to initially get off the ground, and on the road.

Do you have a band or is it just you?

I have musicians in Chicago and Bloomington, Illinois that play my music, but I wouldn’t say that I have a band.  I am a bit of a loner, and don’t think I’m ready to give up my solo touring just yet.  Eventually, I will have a stabilized band, but for this upcoming tour I will be solo, using my loopers and multi-instrument show to create a full sound.

So I see you are on Facebook. Are you also on Twitter?

I am. Are you going to follow me?

You play a lot in Wisconsin and Illinois. What do I have to do to get you to Indianapolis?

I actually have played in Indianapolis a few times, at a few coffeehouses, Rock Lobster, and Birdy’s Bar & Grill.  I am still searching for my ideal venue…Any ideas?

How did you react to the passing of Michael Jackson?

I was upset when I heard Michael died; he is certainly the biggest influence on the pop scene during my generation, and really inspired me with his sense of grandeur.  He knew how to dream, and how to make his dreams a reality, which is very inspiring.

Do you write all of your own lyrics?

I do write my own lyrics.

Where do you get inspiration for a new song?

Inspiration comes from all over, as long as I keep my eyes open.  Relationships and nature seem to be the biggest influences.

That’s a pretty cool picture on your MySpace page. Where was that taken?

Thanks so much!  It was taken at a CNGM fundraiser; CNGM is a film company that used my single, Romina, in one of their feature films, and I played for them at their annual celebration.

Describe your genre in one word.

Evolving.

Why do you play so many college gigs?

I love colleges because the students are the best audience for my music.  They listen so well, which is essential for my songs because I lace the verses with slam poetry.  What’s more, I feel college students are some of the most active and malleable, with the biggest potential to change the world.  This is the audience I want to play for, because this is the audience I want to inspire.

What are you drinking on stage?

Depends on the show, but usually lots and lots of water.  I turn into a fish on stage…literally!  Come check out a show!

Looks like you got a hair cut recently. What prompted that?

(Laughs) My hair is not my own anymore.  Depending on what shows I am doing (acting wise), I am under contract with my hair.  Many shows lately have had me growing it out, as it makes me look younger (or so I am told).  When I finish a show, I like to cut it because the long hair is so hard to manage.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in music?

The same advice I would give anyone interested in doing any form of art for a profession: you have to need this.  This road is not for the weak of heart, because; it requires everything.  That being said, if one is willing to sacrifice it all, one simply needs to believe in him/herself, and all the world will open up..

How cool was it hearing our music on the radio for the first time?

I actually am yet to hear my music in my car, as I don’t listen to radio while I’m driving.  This would be a pretty cool sensation, I would imagine.  I have heard my music online before, and have come across it in random places, which is always a bit sublime.  I feel honored and blessed every time I do.

Tell me a little bit more about your new EP.

This EP is a precursor to the full length I am working on now.  The songs all have so much of my heart in them, and I am very proud of how the project turned out.  This being said, I am excited to see how the LP ends up, coming from a slightly different perspective and writing style.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

Currently, I am listening to a lot of Ray LaMontagne, Jackson 5, and Sleeping at Last.  A weird combination, but I love the soul of Ray, the energy of the Jackson’s, and the lyrics and drive of Sleeping at Last.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I can’t picture myself three months from now, let alone five years.  I am learning peace in presence, and so I am trying to take one day at a time, one breath in every step.

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

I want to be remembered for the love I put into the world.

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

Life is meant to be an adventure; if you are bored it is time for a change.  Keep breathing!

When Lady Gaga headed out on the road this tour, she grabbed some fairly unknown names to go with her. I’m not sure whom she should take really; her sound is just so unique. But after taking just one listen to Semi Precious Weapons, you’ll understand why she picked them. If I was the one choosing whom she toured with, I would pick Adam Lambert, but that’s just me. I would love to see the two of them on the same bill. And speaking of Adam Lambert, he is actually coming to town soon. He will be in Indianapolis on Tuesday, August 31st. He will be performing at Clowes Memorial Hall on the Butler University campus. This tour is said to be his most intimate and will include a lot of new material as well as some of his hits from his first studio album, For Your Entertainment. But if you don’t already have your ticket, that’s too bad. The show is sold out.

Let’s get back to Lady Gaga for a second. She has been making waves lately, having become the most watched artist on YouTube. Not long ago she hit a billion views on the popular video sharing site. She also has been collecting followers on Twitter and has appeared on nearly every talk show you can think of. She has turned her music into a brand that is selling out arenas all across the country. It seems like every song she releases is a hit.

When she got into town on Thursday morning, Dave Smiley from WZPL grabbed her for an interview. She was not in the studio; she had just landed from another show, but took a few minutes with Dave and company on the phone. He asked her about traveling, performing for thousands of screaming fans every night, and her plans for an after party after the show.

That is where I stated to get excited. You see Lady Gaga was given a budget for each show. That budget has to cover the travel, food, and accommodations for everyone on the tour. However, she likes to spend money. She has consistently been spending more than she was given on nearly every show. When asked about it, she said that all she was doing was guaranteeing her fans have a great night, and an unforgettable experience. But that money she is spending, well, they have to make up for it somewhere. So to combat that, every city she plays in she does an after party. They charge $10-$15 to get in, a few acts spin records all night, and she comes out and does an entire set for these small crowds.

One of the bars having an after party was The Pub. Granted, it’s the closest bar to Conseco Fieldhouse, where the concert took place, but is not very big and just doesn’t seem like a place she would hang out. Of course, this particular after party was titled Show Me Your Teeth, which I am sure packed a few crazies in. Another downtown bar, Blu, was having an after party as well. Blu is a somewhat fitting scene for her to appear, but it’s almost too obvious. It’s nice, but when a bar charges $6 for a PBR, they can lose business fast. At least my business.

There was an after party going on at Metro Nightclub, a gay bar located downtown. There was one going on at Ten Bar, another downtown gay bar. Metro Nightclub is more known for appealing to men while Ten Bar is more known for appealing to women.  But with all the rumors floating around, Sheryl and I decided to go to the only official after party, being held at Talbott Street. Talbott is actually known as one of the best clubs in Indianapolis (my favorite dance club for sure) and has the capacity to hold an after party like this.

Tickets to this event were $15, the highest of any after party being advertised. Plus, all of the acts opening for Lady Gaga were appearing for a DJ set. And after a little digging on Google and Twitter, it made sense that she would be there. As a matter of fact, one of the opening acts, Lady Starlight, tweeted the night before, from Cleveland, about them being together at the after party. So we figured, if nothing else, we’d get to see a handful of solid entertainment.

On the morning of the show, and after Dave Smiley made mention to Talbott Street more than once during their interview, Facebook and Twitter began to light up with questions about the after party. However, tickets had to be purchased through the Talbott Street box office, and doors didn’t open until 8:00 PM that night. So in an effort to miss the crowd, we got to Talbott around 8:15. We missed the crowd, that’s for sure. When we walked in, there were only a handful of people sitting down. There were more bartenders than there were people! Through the night the crowd picked up, but I am not sure it was ever sold out. The one good thing about getting somewhere like this early is you get prime seating!

One of the reasons why Sheryl and I like going to places like Talbott Street is because they always have drink specials. Sure, the club is not located in the heart of the city, within walking distance of Conseco, but that makes it even better. Places off the beaten path, places with a solid reputation for great dance music, they just make more sense. Where else can you get a $5 Ketel One or a $3.50 domestic beer on a Thursday night?

As the dance floor was starting to get full, the DJ started spinning a ton of Lady Gaga songs and that got me thinking. The fact there were tons of staff walking around, and a few cops parked outside made it even more clear to me Gaga might be coming. By the time it got to be around 11:00 more folks started pouring in. Of course, SPW did not even start until 12:30 or so. But again, this is the official after party. Why wouldn’t she come to the official after party? If she wasn’t coming here, she wasn’t going anywhere.

Around 11:00, Lady Starlight took the stage. At first, I was excited to see her perform. But one 80′s song turned to another and they never stopped. After a handful of tracks I felt I was at the Vogue Theater on a Wednesday night for Retro Rewind. It was maybe the worst set I have ever seen. It almost felt like they were filling space and killing time. If this is the set she played opening for Gaga, I hope she was booed off the stage.

By the time Semi Precious Weapons came on, I was almost ready to go. I was so bored with Lady Starlight I could cry. And Isha Drake, a friend of ours who joined us later in the evening, thought she might! But I was ready for SPW.

I have been a fan of theirs for a long time. They are what I like to call, “over the top”. They are loud, extremely flamboyant, and just a hoot to watch perform. They truly are a great fit for Gaga. But as bad as Lady Starlight was (note that I have never seen her work) there was no way it could be any worse. And while they weren’t worse, they started off with rap. Their first track was a hit from Jay Z. It just didn’t make sense. I get it they are a rock band, but their original music is so much better than covers. They did end up playing a couple of their original tracks, but it was mainly cover songs. They were more popular tracks than what Lady Starlight played, but still. I wanted to hear their original music.

After hearing them spin for an hour or so, we were ready to go. I headed to the bar to close my tab. And when I closed my tab I was happy to see that all the drinks I ordered were on special. I had ordered a couple bottles of Blue Moon and a few Coors Light and the tab was under $20. As a matter of fact, it was $20 after tip. That would be only a couple of drinks at any of the other spots that had a Gaga after party.

I guess my biggest issue with the event is it was not what I had expected. It is not what Sheryl expected either. I don’t blame Talbott Street; I just wish I had known it was just going to be treated like any other night. I figured an “official” after party would be a little more organized. Also, there is no moving air in this place. It gets very hot in there. It’s a good thing the people-watching was enough to keep us entertained. Half shirts and feathered vests, that’s all I’ll say.

It was around 2:30 when we took off. I had already closed my tab, and we were sweating our butts off. That, and there was no sign of Lady Gaga anywhere. She claims that every city she visits has one. And she even claims to perform at one in nearly every city she visits. And sure, we were at an after party. The official after party at that. Yet we saw no Gaga. All night, we checked Twitter to see where she was, and nothing. Of course, we have to remember that this is Indiana. We are not New York or LA. Lady Gaga has played three times here in the last year, but still. As good as Sheryl and I are about always finding random celebrities, even when we plan it, still nothing.

But again, this has nothing to do with Talbott Street what so ever. I love the club, I go there two or three times a month, and have always been impressed with their service and their sound system. I will go back, no question there. I will just treat this as a lesson not to plan meeting celebrities. If you have not seen a show here, I suggest coming in sometime soon. If not for the live music, you can catch the drag show with the Ladies of Legends. They are a real treat and with names like Rubi Santana and Asia La Bouche you know you are in for a treat. As they say, Talbott Street is where culture and diversity meet.

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!

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.

When I do sit down to listen to rap, I try to focus on the lyrics more than anything. For instance, Eminem is well known for being the first successful white rapper. He came out about a decade ago, and has been making music ever since. He has worked with some of the biggest names in the game, like Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg and has made albums that irritate, offend, and cause unfiltered laughter. He is a true talent and his new album, Recovery, is one of his best.

Not being in the scene as much as I was in college, I have fallen a bit off the local bandwagon. Every big city has a ton of people trying to make it in the music industry, and a lot of bands will push the limit. Here in Indianapolis, bands like the Virgin Millionaires and The Last Good Year have made a name outside of these Indiana cornfields. But what about rap music? Surely there are some guys in this town that know how to rhyme, right?

Well, there is at least one. He is pretty new to the scene, and I had the chance to sit down with him and interview him for my blog. He is also a featured artist for the upcoming rickyleepotts.com presents six bands for six bucks. His name is Brad Real, and he is everything you’d expect from a guy who is bound for stardom. Speaking of lyrics earlier, Brad understands how to write. But he writes clean. Most rappers, like Eminem, have explicit lyrics logos all over their disc. But Brad’s does not have that.  I have listened to his new disc about six times, and I am pretty sure I have not heard a single profanity.

But what makes Brad so enjoyable is that he is not just about the music, he is about the business behind the music. He understands that his career is just that, a job. He busts his butt in this city getting people to his shows, working with the talents that he knows have potential to push him forward, not drag him back. And that shows in his album.

The album is titled Married to the Game, and features a total of nineteen tracks. But for a rap album, that is nothing unusual. While I think the photography he used could use some work, the quality in the lyrics and the beats make up for it. The disc starts off with Brad telling the listener that, “This is what I was born to do. I feel it inside of me. It tugs at me like something has to be done.” That is a great way to kick off an album filled with professional beats and a handful of guest appearances.

I hate it that the best song on the album is the second track. It’s titled Ain’t Budgin’ and sounds like something you would hear on MTV, not in a nightclub in downtown Indianapolis. But he is just starting, remember, and he has a long way to go before he makes it on stage with the likes of Eminem and Dr. Dre. But the disc never lets up. The very next song, Let Yourself Go, throws some deeper bass and almost techno grooves at the start. Then you are hit with some songs that you can just tell have personal meaning to Brad.

One thing that I hate is when rappers start their songs by shouting their record label or their name over and over. And while that happens a couple of times on this disc, again, the lyrics just take over. All I want is to hear the next song to see what he has wrap around these polished beats. Songs like Lay It Down, featuring A.C.E. O.N.E. and Nowhere featuring Jon Young and Jay Cash just smack you in the face with truth.

You literally forget that this kid is local. But one thing that impresses me more about this kid than anything is that he is so incredibly nice. When I first introduced myself to him to request an interview for my blog, he bent over backwards to make sure I had everything I needed. Then, prior to his new disc’s official release, I had one sitting in my mailbox. He wanted to share his music with me, and also make sure I knew how much he appreciated the interview.

I have since been listening to this album over and over. And while I say he has a long way to go in his career, I don’t think that would upset him. I think he would agree, that he would shake my hand and say thank you for telling him the truth. Why lie to the kid? He is young, he has a lot to learn, and he will find his way in this business no matter what I say. He is driven, he is a great writer, and his personality will take him far whether in music or something else. You need to get this album, whether you like rap or not. Support local music, and before you know it this kid singing at Birdy’s Bar and Grill on a Saturday night will be sitting next to Mariah Carey at the Grammy Awards. This kid is going far. Rather than leave you with my final thoughts, I thought that no one could say it better than Brad himself. “We’re going to make it. Indianapolis has something to say. Thank you.”