In this interview we virtually sit down with Knoweldgeborn07, who was recently featured in our Top Indie Rock spotlight, to discuss his song “27 Miles“, influences and surviving as an indie musicians in a digitized era.
We’ve featured you before but let’s dive a little deeper into the artist and the music. What attracted you to this genre or style of music?
It’s really just a mashup of what I have been exposed to musically over the years. I don’t like the idea of being confined to a “certain sound”. I listen to far to many different styles of music to pick a specific genre.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
My grade school friend Dan Allen had a makeshift recording studio in his basement when we were in 7th or 8th grade which was around ’92-’93. It was right around the time of Rage Against the Machines Album with the song Freedom on it. My buddy Dan and I were blown away by that song and that band and we would record little four track tapes together just for fun because music was our common interest.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
Life experience influences my writing/creating. I’ve never really been one that could write fiction. Faith in the most high, my kids keep me going, my family and friends, music and Thich Nhat Hahn. As far as musical influences I would say my band (Mark Diroll, Dave Schultz,Eric Moore) any music by Jesus Wore Dickies, OG Sublime and those creators especially Miguel these days check out the Long beach Band (Perro Bravo), Zack Walters of 3rd Alley (Happy Tank), Filibuster, Ras Attitude, Jahworks the Revolutionary, Paranorm and Dj, Strictnine, Kevin Kinsella, Ways To be Worse, Frank Jordan, Wu-Tang, Tommy Dubs, Dan Allen, John Gray, Mike Deguzman, Slatetrain, Ptuggs, Josh Fischel, RA Sunday, Jake Borowski, Josh Fichel, Lew Richards, Purples from Philidelphia, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Elliot Smith, The Ziggens, Dr. Dog, Islands and anything Nick Thorburn creates as well as Honus Honus of ManMan. I love the voice of Glen Danzig and the voice and writing of Julian Casablancas. Producers have really inspired me lately. Especially Miguel Happolt, Eddie Ashworth, Mike Mogis, Andrew Scheps, and Evan Gordon.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
The song 27 miles came to me when I was in between bands. My new project is a collaborative effort between myself, my brother Mark Diroll, My good friend and bassist Dave Schultz and good friend and drummer Eric Moore. We have a new band called Down Town Temperature and are currently recording an EP.
What was the last song you listened to?
I am working on track with Tommy Dubs that called Black Sunglasses so that was the last song I have heard but I’m currently listening to the two new Islands Records: Should I Remain Here, At Sea? and Taste.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I do collect Vinyl and love listening to records but it doesn’t really matter to me which form it is as long as its honest and creative.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I prefer Indie Shuffle because it introduces me to a lot of new stuff. For a quick search and listen its usually Spotify, Bandcamp or youtube though because they seem to have the most variety.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
ADHD
Stage Fright
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you perform?
No I don’t gig, tour or perform.
Our band has live streamed before.
I’m not into performing live.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
Facebook:
- https://www.facebook.com/Downtown-Temperature-157947834599913/
- https://www.facebook.com/Knowledgeborn07-214704055287472/
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
Be Peaceful and Kind and teach that to your children!
“Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today.” -Thich Nhat Hahn
