Interviews

This area includes a running list of all the interviews we have published. We interview bands, venues, studios, business owners, producers, engineers, and any one else who spends a significant amount of time supporting independent music.

Interview with Harold T. Johnson, Sr. – Jesus Lifted Me Higher

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman February 2, 2022 11:03 am Tagged With: Christian, gospel, jazz, R&B, singer, songwriter, Texas, United States

Harold T. Johnson Sr., whose music career started in 1955, is an accomplished Producer, Writer and Arranger. Harold is a California State University Dominguez Hills Graduate, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education. He is a Gold Album recipient for Thelma Houston’s “Anyway You Like It” Album and the 5 th Dimension “Star […]

Interview with AG Gatling – I’m Good Wit It

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman February 2, 2022 9:50 am Tagged With: gospel, Maryland, R&B, singer, songwriter, Soul, United States

AG GATLING, from the Baltimore MD area, is a singer and songwriter, formally of the singing group GATLING, and in the past opened for Fred Hammond and Commisioned, and Lisa Page Brooks of Witness, and who also worked with record producer Rahni Song on several projects. AG GATLING is also an experienced producer and the […]

Interview with Ethan Gontar – Say Goodbye

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman February 1, 2022 12:15 pm Tagged With: acoustic folk, electro-pop, Folk, Israel, Middle East, Pop, singer, songwriter

It’s been three years since we first chatted with Ethan Gontar about his music. I’m happy to state that in this interview spotlight, I catch up with Ethan discussing the latest release, surviving a pandemic and more. Full Q&A along with links and music below. Where are you from and how do You describe your […]

Interview with Scott Strickland – LA

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman February 1, 2022 11:46 am Tagged With: Austin, indie, indie pop, Pop, pop rock, singer, songwriter, Texas, United States

Austin based singer-songwriter Scott Strickland has released a music video for his new single LA. The first single from his debut self-titled album which will be out on Friday April 29th via Smith Music. LA is the first official release since his 2015 EP, “Fly to the Sun”. Strickland explores many familiar themes of popular […]

Interview with Poetica – Unconditional

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman February 1, 2022 10:49 am Tagged With: classical, Folk, jazz, New York, New York City, Poetry, singer, songwriter, Spoken Word, United States

Poetica is the latest project from alt folk composer, producer, poet, and singer/songwriter Rachael Sage. Pulling from spoken-word touchstones like Leonard Cohen, Patti Smith, and Laurie Anderson, Poetica’s self-titled debut plays at the edges of genres and song structures, moving effortlessly between folk, jazz, and classical influences. Working with her longtime cellist Dave Eggar, along […]

Interview with Danny Dalah – Mr. Self-Sabotage

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman January 31, 2022 11:15 am Tagged With: California, comedy, indie, Los Angeles, Pop, singer, songwriter, United States

Danny Dalah is an LA-based musical comedian, who has performed at The Comedy Store, The Ice House, and even some dude’s garage. He has released three comedy singles and matching music videos. Mr. Self-Sabotage is his first comedy album that will be released on Valentine’s Day (2/14/22). In this interview spotlight, I chat with Danny […]

Interview with Nicole Sanzio – In Transit

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman January 31, 2022 10:06 am Tagged With: classical, composer, Instrumental, New Jersey, United States

Long-time music industry insider Nicole Sanzio has released her debut Neo-classical instrumental single, “In Transit.” Composed by Nicole Sanzio and engineered by Phillip Lewis, the self-written original piano composition serves as a representation of various themes surrounding her experiences. The title applies to the process of completing the project as much as it does Sanzio’s […]

Interview with Joyslam – Spirit Star

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman January 28, 2022 1:12 pm Tagged With: Canada, Funk, Indigenous, Pop, Reggae, Rock, singer, songwriter

Where are you from and how do You describe your style of music? Based out of Toronto, Joyslam is Canada’s premiere Aboriginal (Mohawk) Recording Project created by Solo Artist RJ Martine. Joyslam continues to delight music fans of ALL genres with their unique brand of high energy movin’, groovin’, Aboriginal Funk Rock, Dance & Pop […]

Interview with OffbeatKarma – What

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman January 28, 2022 9:23 am Tagged With: Asia, Central Asia, Hip Hop, India, rap

In this interview spotlight, I chat with OffbeatKarma about the latest music, adapting during a pandemic, technology and more. Full Q&A along with links and music below. Where are you from and how do you describe your style of music? I am a Keralite hailing from Mumbai. I was into beats since birth which soon […]

Interview with Sleeplore

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman January 26, 2022 1:17 pm Tagged With: Alternative, alternative rock, Experimental, indie rock, Pennsylvania, Rock, singer, songwriter, United States

Scranton-based, alternative experimentalist, Clyde Rosencrance, has released his debut EP as Sleeplore. “Sleeplore” (self-titled) builds upon the success of previously released singles, which caught the ear of outlets like ‘Alternative Press’, with an EP that collectively embodies the origination of the Sleeplore sound. The EP was completed with the help of multi-Grammy award winning mastering […]