In this interview spotlight, we chat with Ed Maly about influences, the newest project, the digitized music era and more.
Full Q&A along with links and a few music videos below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I am from Bryan,Texas, and grew up listening to the music of the 60’s along with the baby boomer generation. I loved what I heard and wanted even more, so late at night, I would scan my little transistor radio to find artists like Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, etc. and from then on, I was totally hooked! I suppose because of this, the style of music I usually create is guitar-centered blues/rock with lyrics that tell some type of tale related to loss of love or overcoming something. My vocal style is closer to that of a blues shouter than ballad singer, so I try to stay true to high-energy songs that allow me to emote in that style.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?
As a “middle child”, I suppose had to work harder to get attention! Ha Ha! I picked up the guitar as a kid, and as a teenager during the late 60’s, I got inspired by all the great music being made. I joined and played in several bands in high school, college, and into my adult years. Back then, the game was to try and sound like the people you heard on the radio.
The thing that motivates me today is that it is no longer about sounding like others, as it is finding one’s own voice and style. I love the ownership involved in getting an original sound in my garage studio on a song I wrote that my band recorded. The ultimate test is to hear it played back on Spotify along with my favorite commercial blues rock artists to see how its uniqueness measures up. It’s a great way to learn what is working and what is not. Plus, for me there is a lot of satisfaction knowing that mine was “home grown”. I guess it’s a lot like being a small farmer whose goods at least make it to the big food chain stores along with all the major processed foods!
How is your new release different than previous ones? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?
Funny you should ask that! I did set out to capture a “different” market this time by including a basketball song. We recorded “Rocket Ball” as an anthem to promote the team! Lucky for us, the Houston Rockets did very well this year and made the playoffs right after the CD came out. That song drew several Rocket fans to the new CD, Middle Child Goes Wild! Since the drum beat for “Rocket Ball” was totally different for us, we’re now experimenting with other live drum beats that would work for other new sports’ songs.
The new release also includes a saxophone player on some of the cuts to give it more of an old-time rock & roll flavor. We also experimented using two drummers on the title track, “Middle Child”, to give it a fatter-sounding foundation. The basic tracks were recorded on analog using regular drums. then, these tracks were moved over to Pro Tools, where a second drummer with an electric kit was added. It gave that tune a subtle foundation that sounds completely different when either drum track is omitted.
Do you face challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? How has technology helped you (assuming it helps)?
Oh, the digital domain has been a blessing and a curse! It’s been a blessing in that one can get their music out there everywhere without paying for a physical product to mail, and it’s been a curse because everybody else is doing what you’re doing, and there’s just too much out there. I suppose that’s why the current thinking now in marketing is to “market your personality” because no one else is exactly like you, and if they like your personality, they will listen to your music.
As for the changes in technology, I started out on analog tape using the ever-popular Teac 4 Track reel-to-reel (in the 70’s), then later moved up to the Tascam 38, which I still have and use today. These machines are great for tracking drums, bass, guitar, and scratch vocals. I then move these tracks to Pro Tools to add additional vocals, keyboards, etc.
Many people ask me why I still use analog at all if I have Pro tools. For blues rock music, there is no better way to track the band, especially the drums! I can’t get that warm fat drum sound on Pro Tools. However, once these tracks are on Pro Tools, I’m grateful for all the options available for editing.
Where can we connect with you online and discover more music?
I’m on:
Anything else before we sign off?
To all my fellow musicians, treat your gift as your would a highly valued calling. It’s kind of like religion. You will be saved (happy) if your pursue it, and you will be lost (miserable) if you don’t. There is also therapeutic value in writing songs from a personal point of view and playing them live.
Develop who you are where you are, and don’t worry about trying to please everyone. If you like what you’re doing, it will show, and eventually, you’ll find the right fans who like it, too. I don’t have a huge following, but I’m grateful to have a live band that enjoys recording in my garage studio, and playing these cuts live at the local clubs, venues, and private parties.
