In this interview spotlight, I chat with Cold Arizona about the latest release, motivations, challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music would you classify yourself as?
I’m from San Francisco and would classify my music as independent, melodic alternative with a hint of British Americana.
What led you down the path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?
I’ve always loved songs and where they can take you emotionally. A song can change everything and become a lifetime companion, staying by your side through the good and the bad. Writing my first song at the age of sixteen was a HUGE thrill for me and that exact thrill has stayed with me for every single song (many!) written after that. I love the process of picking up a guitar, by myself and in my own world, and seeing what I come up with travel through the process of me, playing my guitar on my porch to a studio with amazing musicians and engineers, lending their souls to the music and then to the mixing and mastering sessions and then finally … out into the world…
How is “Open Highway, Head Start” different than any of your previous releases? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?
“Open Highway Head Start” is different in that the arrangement is not typical. It starts with an ancient and often used chord progression that just builds and builds and then BOOM takes off into the chorus with a chord progression that one wouldn’t see coming, if I can humbly say that? It then comes crashing back to the opening chord changes and fades out… It is a song that I wanted the dynamics of the build-up to drive… to just go and not repeat… I’m very happy with how it turned out.
Do you face challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? How has technology helped you (assuming it helps)?
Hmmmm… Not sure how to answer this one but for me music has always been a challenge no matter what the age, digital or non digital or whether it’s as an independent artist or signed artist! There is just so much of it, which is of course GOOD and inspiring! Technology has helped me during the recording process and the distribution process… having said that, I believe that if a song or songs are meant to be heard they will find a way, they have their own destiny no matter how it’s done.. just gotta do your best and let them go…
Where can we connect with you online and discover more music?
Cold Arizona has a very simple good old fashioned web page. https://www.coldarizonamusic.com. You can listen to all ten tracks and if you feel so inspired, you can donate to download..
Anything else before we sign off?
Just want to say thank you and hope the music is enjoyed and maybe, if I’ve done my job, takes you on a journey!
