In this interview spotlight, I chat with Rebel Heart about the new project, challenges, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music 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.)
[Charlie] I was born in the 60’s in Germany, we came to the US when I was 6 and then decided to go to CND where we settled on Vancouver Island.
I watched my cousins playing in Germany at a Gasthaus and wanted at that young age to be on stage. My influences have been the music form the 60’s to the 90’s.
My music partner who does more of the writing then I do – Grateful Jon is also inflected by the same time era – so our music is definitely a heartland style of Rock and Roll.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
[Charlie] my grandmother had a piano in her place, I would always hammer on it when I went to her house – at some point I am sure she could not take it anymore and I got sent off to lessons – lol The piano allowed me to take on other interments much easier so depending on the band I was in I played keys, guitar, bass and at one point the trumpet. Today, it is my friends my family, my band mates and my music partner Grateful Jon that keep me passionate about our music.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
[Charlie] There has been a long gap from the last time I did a CD – young family, time issues, band issues – but this project which we have been working on together now for a few years has allowed me to pursue that passion of music that has always been in my heart – and my music partner Grateful Jon helps push well more like persuaded me back onto the road of doing original music with him…Not to mention my good friend Paul Laine who has greatly helped and encourage – coached – guided – course corrected us along the way…..Paul took us to the next level, without him we would not be where we are at today!
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
[Charlie] How do you get in front of the crowed to be heard. So many venues, so many hops to jump thru, how do you get on the right Radio stations… Not sure that technology age has helped? With Technology there is not a seamless process, in fact there are Countless avenues out there and some of them are just scammers pretending to care but really just want to get $$$ out of you. And when you potentially find an online platform that might work you spend hours applying, posting, adding to the social media sites – which really are almost as many as the stars…lol
From the stories I have read, wasn’t any better when the record companies where running the show – So the reality is you keep playing and doing it because you love playing – we may never get past our local playing area – and although I do wish for more its OK – and the reason why is we are having a blast – we are having fun playing our music….whether it be to a small crowed or a large crowed – we are loud, proud and dame well unrepented in our playing style…
What was the last song you listened to?
[Charlie] I listen to the local classic rock station, so the last song I heard today was Twisted sister – we aren’t gonna take it anymore – lol
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
[Charlie] definitely CD’s as you can open up the case, read about the band. But I have to confess I do both, as there is not a lot of room in my car for a CD case….just say’n…
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
[Charlie] Apple – even though we might not hit star status they let us join them and don’t charge us for it -“: -)
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
[Charlie] our website or Facebook:
Anything else before we sign off?
[Charlie] Keep the faith…
