PGH is all about helping artists highlight their most recent projects, so let us all know what your latest project is – and tell us about how it come into the world. What has the initial feedback on it been like?
Greg Ieronimo (GI): Following the release of my 2014 EP, Bipolar Love, I am currently in production for a full length album, Never Leaving California. Only a few more songs, and a few more months until release (summertime). I am waiting to release the songs until the entire album is complete this time. But if you like Bipolar Love, I think you will be very happy with Never Leaving California.
Bipolar Love is catching the ear of Power Pop fans around the world and I couldn’t be happier. I think there is a pretty large market for Power Pop that is not really mentioned in too many mainstream websites or radio stations. Bipolar Love pop rock the whole family can enjoy.
The Recording Process: There are so many interesting ways that music projects come into the world these days compared with what artists had to struggle through years ago. Take us on the creative arc of how this project came into being and any wisdom that you learned along the way. Also, what were some of the obstacles or struggles that you encountered when you were working on the project?
GI: I definitely take advantage of technology and recording/mixing skills I learned while at Los Angeles Recording School. First, typically, a melody will come to me and a hook will shortly follow. Then I will write the missing pieces (verse, bridge, instrumentation, etc.). Once I have the entire composition finished, I’ll record a rough cut of just acoustic guitar and vocals to a click track. I will record the vocals in my bedroom “studio” and they sometimes end up being the final takes as well. Then, I send the rough cut to a very accomplished producer, Kevin Fisher (www.kevinfisher.me), who will begin the drums and get the song’s session created. Next, at Kevin’s studio, we will finish the drums, and record guitars. I am a guitar junky and usually end up recording a ridiculous amount of GTR tracks. Then, I’ll take the drums and GTR track home and record bass guitar direct input in my home studio. I’ll also re-record any vocals, or anything else I feel is necessary for the song, and then transfer the files to Kevin to mix. Once a rough mix is created, I will go to Kevin’s studio and we will go over notes/ideas and try some crazy stuff. By then the song is pretty close to finished. Then, one more session to do some more ‘tweaks’ is usually needed. I am extremely lucky and grateful to bounce ideas off someone with so much song writing skill, and production wisdom. Definitely check him out! And I love every minute of this process; from the melody that comes to me while driving or in the shower, to the final Mix #4 or #5 I pop into my car on the way home from Kevin’s; I pour my heart and soul into my music.
Are there any particular songs on this project that are special to you or communicate a message that you’d like to share here?
GI: I’m not big on political messages or anything like that, but I want my songs to have melodies that grab people and make them feel something. Whether joy, sorrow, excitement, or something psychedelic, I always want my melodies to do the talking. We are all looking for that jolt a great song gives you. Lyrics to me have always been the icing on top of a great melody cake. How about this: A song is an ocean, the melody is the wave, and the lyrics are the surf board that let you ride the wave. To me, the vocal melody is more important than the words. Nirvana’s Lithium has a chorus that is the word “yeah” dragged out for multiple bars. Yet, he is getting the message across loud and clear.
As we all know, the music industry has been devastated for many reasons over the past 10 years, what are your thoughts on these changes and are you finding some of the changes helpful to you with getting more people to hear your music?
GI: While it sucks having a less hands-on experience as a music consumer (lack of record stores, etc.) the internet and digital mediums have made it so Indy artists without much money (like me) can release songs that are accessible to the entire world, literally, over the internet. People have made millions from songs created in their bedroom. The downside is record labels are dinosaurs nearing extinction and rock bands are not getting as much money for their albums. These days it seems to be all about getting TV/Film placements. The only issue there is, “do I compromise myself as an Artist to cater toward TV shows that need cookie cutter bubble gum soul crushing pop songs?” The answer is, if I want to eat, yes. But luckily I find you can do both and satisfy yourself as an artist as well. All Pop music has that common theme of a draw/hook so that is what I focus on when I write.
Along the lines of this discussion, it would be really interesting to get your thoughts on what you think the future of ‘music enjoyment’ will look like in the coming years? How do you personally enjoy and ‘consume’ music? Any trends you’ve noticed with your own habits compared to, say, 10 years ago?
GI: 10-15 years ago I would make weekly, if not daily, trips to record stores to see what was new, and sometimes would find out about a band I like having a new album. That was always fun. It wasn’t a chore, and rather enjoyable. But now in 2015, we use services like Amazon and most people don’t even stop at a store to buy deodorant anymore. So that is the reality. I like to look at the bright side though. When I like a song, I can find it online within seconds, no matter where I am. A big rule for me, which I hope most true music fans also adhere to, is if I really like an artist’s new song or album, I buy it (on iTunes), as opposed to just listen for free. It’s not going to break the bank and it’s for a good cause. Music is a product and should be paid for. That said, check me out on BandCamp and enjoy a free download.
We would love to hear what your plans on with your next project – Are you going to a full CD, an EP or just release songs as you finish them? Release them digital only or combine physical with the digital or what?
GI: Never Leaving California will be a full CD; the plan is 10 songs, digital and CD release. With Bipolar Love I released digitally and then waited a year (until I had the money) to replicate physical CD’s. With NLC I intend to release physical CD’s simultaneously with digital release. After that, I plan to pitch my songs to TV/Film and also to any labels/artists interested in re-recording them. I am not huge on solo performances and prefer having a band. I also may get a band together and start gigging again. We shall see.
What are you finding that is working well for your music right now that others may find interesting to hear about?
GI: If you like a retro power pop sound with an edge, and you’re a junky for melodies, check me out. I am the product of The Beatles and Nirvana, with a splash of Pantera. I find the baby boomer generation likes my music because of the retro vibe it has. That was totally organic and unplanned but a happy result.
Okay – time for some light humor! Spinal Tap Moment: dig deep. Locate. Relive. Share that special ‘trauma’ with all of us!
GI: This question gave me a flashback to almost being late for a gig at CBGB in NYC several years ago. This was the days before GPS on phones and navigating the streets of NYC (from my hometown in Connecticut) can be pretty treacherous while reading a Mapquest print out!
Is there a particular musician(s) you’d love to collaborate with – and why?
GI: I would love to collaborate with any musician/producer that has qualities that I lack and/or techniques I could learn from. I would love to find some local artists that want to collab. I really enjoy collaborating with the Producer and all-around musical genius Kevin Fisher, that I currently record with. Bouncing ideas back and forth with a 20+ year professional songwriter is a privilege I am thankful to have. It’s really fun.
Advance apologies: the so-called ‘classic’ questions. What other artists and bands have influenced your music and any particular reason why? Also, push come to shove: “Your Top 5 Albums Of All Time”? (Pop Geeks really are interested in this, trust us!)
GI: I started getting into music around 1991. I started listening to 90s grunge, pop rock, alt rock, some metal and also some 60s pop rock (Beatles, Rascals, etc.). I picked up the guitar at 10 years old largely due to Nirvana. My top albums (off the top of my head) are:
- Nirvana / Nevermind
- The Beatles / Sgt. Peppers (all Albums)
- Tool / Aenima
- Pantera / The Great Southern Trendkilll
- Green Day / Dookie
Those (and many more) albums were staples for me and I still listen to them constantly. I think my music is a reflection of these influences, which happens to be considered, Power Pop.
We’re always trying to find new music discover here at PGH – what are some of your favorite music releases of the last few years?
GI: Too many to list 🙂
Yes, it would be great if most indie musicians could work on music full-time but the reality rarely the case for most of them. I am always asked by music fans, what are the careers or full-time jobs that the musicians of the music they are listening to do…so ‘what’s your main gig?!’
GI: Right now I’m fortunate to have a job as a software analyst for a tech company in LA (Rock Star status just plummeted, didn’t it…) It keeps my brain sharp and I (actually) enjoy it. I have had some pretty soul-crushing jobs previously and that can really suck. At the end of the day my battery is still charged when I get home and then I can get to work.
Okay, last question: Where can we hear more of your music and any other releases you have?
GI: Expect Never Leaving California to come out this summer and all releases are available at the below websites. Bipolar Love EP is available on iTunes.
Buy the physical disc of Bipolar Love by going to Kool Kat Musik’s website:
My websites:
http://gregieronimo.bandcamp.com/
https://soundcloud.com/greg-ieronimo
Also follow me on social Media: Facebook and Twitter! @gregieronimo Instagram @gieronimo61
Some reviews of Bipolar Love:
http://www.powerpopaholic.com/2014/03/temples.html
http://absolutepowerpop.blogspot.com/2014/03/weekend-roundup_21.html
I have also landed a song on David Bash’s International Pop Overthrow vol. 17 CD and also Bruce Brodeen’s Power Pop Planet Vol. 4. Check them both out here:
