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?
Bill Gerazounis – guitar/vocals (BG): First of all, let me just say thank you for the profile on the band; we really appreciate it! As of today, our first full length album has been released; and I’m extremely happy with the way it came out. It was a labor of love to see it through. My good friend; musician/producer Michael Skib; and I really put a lot of love into this project; which was quite ambitious in it’s goal to capture all that we set out to do stylistically. It’s important to me to constantly keep growing and venturing into new creative territory; and it’s incredibly gratifying that we did this all on our own without a net of any sort. Very grass roots and indie.
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?
BG: Great question. I think a lot of the process is the result of trial and error, and just straight up experience. Also, as I’ve developed as a songwriter and arranger; and bouncing ideas back and forth with the talented people I’ve worked with, like Andy Patalan of Sponge, and now Michael; it’s made the process something I have much more creative vision with to achieve new, more, and better results with. We definitely had some bumps in the road; namely from other contributors; before I meet Alex and Michael; but in the end it brought us to where we are now; which is three people on the same page personally, creatively, and as partners in a mutual career in 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?
BG: All of them are my babies, but there are some moments that pop in my mind that I’m really proud of. For example; I’m really proud of the layering and lushness of “Icarus Falling”, the indie-Dub/Reggae vibe of “Sufferer’s Prayer”, and the west African base feel of “The Lion And The Lamb”.
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?
BG: The changes have largely devalued the artist; which has made things way harder to make a career out of what we love to do. What it ultimately does, is forces you to find new creative avenues to get the music to people; and fight through the clutter of what’s maybe less than cutting edge out there. When I do find something unique and well crafted, I go out of my way to support it; because I really feel it deserves it. Their are many great artists out there that just haven’t caught a break.
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?
BG: I think the way music is enjoyed is the same as it always has been. Some will “consume” it very superficially, and others will seek out higher quality in their playlists. I certainly enjoy everything from the humor and raw punk attitude of The Ramones to the adventurous sophistication and vision of Miles Davis. Both to me are ground breaking and amazing in their own way.
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?
BG: Probably way to early to say; but what I can say, is that we’re going to make maximum use of everybody’s creative contributions. I definitely think the more ambient/soundscape side of our new material will be very present; as will a deeper venture into different world music. Perhaps incorporating different world instruments; both melodic and percussive.
What are you finding that is working well for your music right now that others may find interesting to hear about?
BG: I think for three guys, we fill up a lot of space and sound. Alex writes a lot of very interesting, almost cinematic things; which you don’t often hear traditionally on bass. Mike pushes the energy level with his style of drumming; which is both explosive and has a lot of sophistication. It’s that “fusion” vibe that we all grew up on; listening to real “players”; and using that ability to serve the song’s textures the best we can.
Okay – time for some light humor! Spinal Tap Moment: dig deep. Locate. Relive. Share that special ‘trauma’ with all of us!
BG: This is a very easy question to answer…LOL…You name it. I’ve gone on stage with a fractured ankle, forgot lyrics, accidently stepped on my guitar chord and unplugged it; and last but not least; broke strings a few times. One of the funnest things though was when we played with a band from Europe, and the drummer sat in for an electric guitar/bass/drums belly dancer jam. They were from Greece; and my family is from Greece as well; and it just brought the house down!
Is there a particular musician(s) you’d love to collaborate with – and why?
BG: There are quite a few. Al DiMeola; the great guitar legend. That would be amazing. Prince would be incredible to play with. I play Flamenco guitar; as well as Bouzouki; and I would have loved to have collaborated with the late, great Paco DeLucia; who sadly passed away a year ago. Those guys are true heroes of mine. I would have absolutely loved to have collaborated with the late, great Jeff Buckly as well. His voice is so haunting and beautiful; and he’s one of a handful of the greatest songwriters we will ever be blessed enough to have heard.
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!)
BG: Great question! Well, a few of those faves I’ve already mentioned; but there are many, many more artists that have been amazing forces in my life. If I had to make a list of top 5 fave albums, I’d say Stevie Wonder’s “Talking Book”, Led Zeppelin 4, Al DiMeola’s “Elegant Gypsy”, Jeff Buckley’s “Sketches For My Sweetheart The Drunk”, and Miles Davis’ “Bitches Brew live” would definitely make my list; but there are many more that I could add and are equally great.
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?
BG: I’m always seeking out new stuff; because at the end of the day I’m an obsessive music lover, and get much great pleasure out of hearing amazing new stuff. I love Josh Klinghoffer’s new stuff with Dot Hacker. Very impressive. I just heard some tracks from the new Modest Mouse album, and I was blown away. Henry Threadgill; the great avant garde jazzman; has done some incredible stuff with his band Zooid. It’s been a few years now, but I also loved that last Sade album. Very well crafted; with her silky voice; and the production was great as well.
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?!’
BG: Well, my main gig is teaching music. Big surprise! LOL…I also own a small business with my family; which has my teaching studio at the shop location. Somehow, I’ve managed to make some kind of a living off of music; thankfully!
Okay, last question: Where can we hear more of your music and any other releases you have?
BG: Our Bandcamp page is the best way to hear our stuff. You can find it all right there: http://thestaticdial1.bandcamp.com
FaceBook: www.facebook.com/StaticDial
Twitter: www.twitter.com/staticdial
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/thestaticdial
