Interview with Romantic Warfare

How did you get started in music?

My brother was a very big influence in my life, so when he started a band in high school, I learned to play the bass. Then a couple years later my grandma got sick, and I wanted to learn to play her favorite song (It is Well with My Soul) on the six string.

How long have you been performing professionally?

My junior of senior year of high school is when I really started playing a lot of shows...so, I guess that would be about 4 or 5 years now.

Can you describe your music style for us?

It's kind of hard for me to descride, but, I kind of like to describe it as emotional pop with a slight rock edge...on an acoustic guitar.

What are some of your musical influences?

Let's see...I think everyone should have The Beatles, then there's the old school christian bands like DC Talk, Audio A, Newsboys, (maybe even Guardian and Bride). then there's some acoustic stuff like Dashboard Confessional, Shane and Shane, Jason Mraz, and Jack Johnson. Some of my favorites like, The Juliana Theory, House of Heroes, Relient K, Emery, Blindside, Mae, Jars
of Clay, David Crowder...there's so much good music out there!

What inspires you when you write music and lyrics?

I have probably over 60 songs, with a wide range of inspirations. Many of them are inspired by the Word of God, or God himself. There are also several songs inspired by things in my life or in people's lives around me. Then there are a few that were inspired by dreams or visions. The music is most of the time written after the lyrics to fit the content of the songs, but some of the music was written first and just worked well with lyrics that were written later.

What can people expect from a live performance?

Kind of a singer/songwriter kind of a feel. I like to explain my songs, and talk about how they were inspired. And when I sing I really get into the songs, so, I guess you can expect me to sing with a lot of emotion.

What will someone walk away with after hearing a concert you perform?

I hope that they will desire more of the Love of the Lord, or at least that they would think about it.

What can you tell us about your current project?

Well, right now, I am kind of taking it easy, because I'll be getting married soon...but, I recorded a new song not too long ago, which is only available on myspace. I do plan on recording another cd, and I have worked on some other merchandise, such as t-shirts and buttons...when things settle down after the wedding, I will start getting back to work on all of that.

What is your opinion of the current state of the music industry?

Hmmm...well, I think there is a lot of garbage music out there, with trashy and uninspiring, meaningless lyrics. on the other hand I think there are alot of good bands out there, and I believe that God is going to do a lot in the Christian music industry..and I would love to be a part of it, if that is what God wants for me.

If someone is interested in booking you for a performance, what do
they need to do?

Call me @ 419 870 0959
email me @ atclif@hotmail.com

Do you have a web presence where people can check out your work?

You can check me out on myspace.com/romanticwarfare1

thank you for your time

Interview with Bob Flynn of 1340 AM and 92.1 FM WCSR Hillsdale, MI

How did you get started in broadcasting?
My dad worked part-time at WCSR for nearly 30 years. I used to come to the station with him sometimes and found it fascinating. He taught me the basics, and when he died in 1981, I took over his part-time hours, and it grew from there.

How long have you been employed in the field of broadcasting?
Officially, since 1981.

What type of education did you get in order to do what you currently do in broadcasting?
I did not attend a broadcast school, but did take a number of English and writing classes in college. These classes have helped me in writing effective commercial copy, news and sports stories, and being able to speak proper English keeps me from sounding stupider than I normally do.

What is your motivation for being in the field of broadcasting?
It's definitely not the money!! I like the potential each day brings....it's not the same thing day after day. You just never know what's going to happen. Plus, I like to talk. And, if I can get paid to do that, what's not to like?


Could you describe what your job is like?
Jobs, plural, actually. My main job is my afternoon radio show from noon to 6pm each day. Playing music, reading news, sports, weather updates, human interest stories, keeping the listener entertained and informed. I'm also a part of our sales staff, so I spend each morning going on sales calls, writing and recording ads, keeping clients happy and current. Plus, during sports seasons, I broadcast high school football and basketball. That entails travelling to the field/court, setting up and tearing down the broadcast equipment, calling the game, keeping stats, etc.

What advice would you give someone interested in pursuing a job in broadcasting?
Be prepared to work hard for little pay. I think most people who are interested in broadcasting only see the "big name" stars who make the big money. They don't realize that the vast majority of broadcasters start at small stations, working nights, weekends and holidays for just over minimum wage.

What do you think of the current state of radio?
Personally, I'm a bit disappointed. A large percentage of radio today is run by a few corporations, who buy up radio stations left and right simply for the money. The true "mom-and-pop" stations are disappearing, which is sad. It's those stations that do what radio was meant to do in the first place: keep listeners informed.

What is you opinion of satellite radio?
I understand why it exists, but I don't understand why someone would pay to listen to something that's free. Plus, satellite radio doesn't tell you what's happening when the power goes out, what schools are closed, whether there's severe weather headed your way, what time the parade starts...if all you want to do is listen to music, then fine. But if you want to be an informed listener, then local free radio is the way to go.


Bob, Thank you for your time

Interview with Kate Laurel Smith

Since we last emailed, you have recorded two new projects tell me a little about the recording process this time around for each.


Actually, the two projects I have released digitally are a collection of home recordings from the last three years. They are (partly) demos for the new project I'm working on, and just early songwriting demos. "Confessions" is a look at my life and outlook on the world circa Fall 2004-Spring 2005 and my move to Denver. This is ultimately a really intimate project that I recorded in a basement apartment with just acoustic and keys (much like "Sometimes" only with a little better engineering skills on my part). "Canvas Sky" is a collection of solo acoustic songwriting demos that were going to become the Roots/Americana project I thought I'd record with a full band, but then I ended up going more for the "pop-rock" project I'm working on now. Several of the songs that I'll be releasing fully-produced are included as acoustic tracks on these two home recordings.


You put together a band to record this time around how was the process for you?


This process was a huge learning curve for me, but only because I'm producing a project with a full band and haven't necessarily played with the instrumentation before. My biggest challenge was communicating my ideas to these guys, but they are all fantastic musicians and it was no obstacle for them to appropriately interpret my tunes with a little direction from me. Being in the studio with an engineer is also a luxury I haven't been afforded, so I've been able to concentrate on the writing and studio performance angles (a nice change).


You are a indie label owner (roaring twenties records). Tell me what advantages are there for you as an indie versus with partnering with a major label?


The advantages are obviously freedom and the potential to be the sole financial beneficiary of your songs' success. The drawback is the lack of financial backing/support going into the process, so it's obviously much slower going to get started. I lack the promotion that a major label (or even "big" indie) would garner.


Do you think that the internet evens the playing field for indie artists to compete with the majors?


I believe it helps. There is still the problem of lack of promotion, because just because you're on the 'net doesn't mean you won't be lost in all the millions of other musicians who have the same playing field as you do. However, it has given indie musicians access to be able to market to their fans in a way that was nearly inaccessible except to major labels previously. And there are the perks of the possibility of discovery through channels like MySpace, especially for artists who are approached for TV/film sync opportunities and the consequential exposure that is generated. With the popularity of itunes, and other avenues of downloading music from the internet what do you think the future of cds will be? I believe CD sales are down due to the popularity and success of digital distribution, however, there will always be the emotional connection of merch to the live show. People want to have something to hold and take home from their experience with the artist, and therefore "hard-copy" recordings will never entirely disappear. I could be wrong. Maybe someone will invent a machine that allows you to download tunes right at the show instead of buy a CD and the "hard-copy" craving will be satisfied instead with only t-shirts, stickers and swag. :)


What do you think the future holds for the Music Industry?


I believe there are changes coming down the pike. I'm not sure exactly where things are headed, but it's general knowledged at this point that a major label deal is no longer the gold-mine it used to be. There are opportunities for indie musicians to work hard and develop a career apart from the contract, and I believe that is most often the smart way to work these days.


Do you have any plans to tour nationally to support both projects?


Not these two home releases. Hopefully the new album will open some doors next year. I am currently playing regionally in Colorado.


If someone would like to book you for an event what would they need to do?


Write me. Call me. mail@katelaurelsmith.com, 720 470 1606. I'm still accessible. No third party manager here.


Thank you for your time.


You can check out kate on the web at katelaurelsmith.com or myspace