#songbuilderstudios

The 10 Questions Series is back in 2016 and we’re very excited about this one! Steve Herrera, a veteran musician with several thousand miles of touring under his belt has been gracing Charm City with his tunes for the past 10 years and shows no sign of slowing down. Check out what he has to say...

1. Tell us about your musical background, how you got into songwriting, and any current projects you have now.

My background is pretty basic.. picked up the guitar at around age 13, started writing songs almost instantly!  As I grew older, my musical taste evolved and I became exposed to lots of different styles of music, all of which play a part in my writing process. The only project I have currently is my solo project. I'm looking to release an EP in the new year. 2. What influences you as a songwriter?

What influences me as a songwriter.. in the broadest terms: life, interactions, emotions, relationships both romantic or platonic.  If I hear a story, or experience something that affects me on an emotional or spiritual level, I'm gonna put it in a song.  Not all of my songs are autobiographical, a lot of it is fiction, but it's all based off the ups and downs of real life.

3. What do you think about the current state of the music industry? Do you think it’s more difficult to build a career in music today than say 20 years ago?

A lot has changed in the industry in just the past decade, let alone the past 50 plus years.  Technology has played a HUGE role in this. However, a few royal tenants remain... talent, innovation, and most importantly DRIVE. In terms of musical taste, and what's "popular" I mean.. that stuff is constantly changing. But if an artist has enough of the three qualities I just listed, then man, you can get as far as you want.  Especially with the onset of social media and the interconnection of the web.  There are countless ways to get your content out there and get new fans.  And that's really all it comes down to, getting a solid (and expanding) fanbase.. from there you can really go places!

4. Who are some of your favorite songwriters right now?

My musical taste is all over the place really..  a few artists I'm really digging currently are some Americana/Folk cats like Dawes, Jason Isbell, Ray Lamontagne..  But I also love me some good party music, I've been digging on this techno pop duo, Powers most recently. Also, roots rock bands like the Alabama Shakes, and J. Roddy Walston and the Business are doing some fantastic things! 5. If you haven't already, are you open to working with another songwriter or a team of songwriters?

I'm always down to collaborate! Some of the best stuff comes that way.

6. How important are outside opinions of your working songs?

I'll take any and all opinions about my works in progress that are offered.  I may or may not take said opinions into the studio, but it's always nice to hear different takes on my stuff, from music folk and non music folk alike.

7. If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

This is an impossible question to answer....  I guess safe answer, Dave Matthews, he was one of the first and biggest influences on my musical voice. But I mean, there are SO many artists I'd absolutely love to collaborate with. too many to mention.

8. What’s the most unique location you’ve ever written a song?

Honestly? The toilet.

9. With thousands of miles of touring under your belt, what’s one of your fondest memories from the road?

Man.. so many memories, both amazing, and amazingly bad! I gotta say one of my fondest would have to be Baghdad.  We were doing an AFE (Armed Forces Entertainment) tour through the mid east a few years back.  We were hopping around Iraq in the belly of a C-130, playing various military installments.  We stayed at the base in Baghdad for a few days due to some dust storms that were preventing us from traveling.  It was located in Saddam Hussein's old compound, we stayed in one of his old palaces, where the top Generals of the US military stay.  We also got a guided tour through the grounds.  Saw some incredible stuff, and some incredible devastation. it was a rollercoaster of a trip and I was left supremely humbled and grateful. that entire tour was one of the most eye-opening, inspiring experiences of my life.

10. Your favorite song of 2015?

"It's Alright" courtesy of yours truly ;)

We are really stoked for this next interview! Marc from FIVES was gracious enough to sit down with us and talk about his current project that yours truly is working on. There are some great industry insights in these answers so make sure you read them all, and check these guys out!

1. Tell us about your musical background, how you got into songwriting, and any current projects you have now.

I started playing guitar at 7 years old.  My grandma gave me a starter electric guitar and I can remember sitting in front of the TV playing along to Raffi songs.  I’m not sure if anybody actually remembers Raffi, but he was a really popular children’s singer when I was growing up.  Who could forget such hits as Baby Beluga and Apples and Bananas? I started my first band while in college, which is actually where I met my friend Matt White who helped start our current band, FIVES. From there I went to Nashville for a few years where I studied music business. I was fortunate enough to work with a great production team and really learn what happens behind the artist. As for songwriting, I think I wrote my first song in the early 2000’s.  I honestly don’t remember what it was, but it was probably about a high school girlfriend.  It couldn’t have been very good since she wasn’t my girlfriend for very long, but I’ve been writing ever since. Currently I’m in a band called FIVES out of Rockville, MD.  We’re working on a new EP with Steve and Nate from SongBuilder Studios and it’s going really well so far.  

2. What inspires you as a songwriter?

I’m always looking for a good story.  I don’t know if I have a “muse” or one thing I can always count on though. I try to draw inspiration from my own experiences but I like writing in a way that isn’t too specific. I enjoy writing the foundation of a story and leaving just enough space for the listener to be able to insert themselves into the song. I think that’s how people connect with music and get inspired by the music. I really believe that if a person feels like you’re saying what they couldn’t say, or maybe just saying it a little bit better than they could, then you’ve done your job as a songwriter. I just think you have to be ready to accept whatever inspiration appears.  It could be my wife or daughter, and it has been many times, but it might also be car accident or a broken window or whatever. I always have a pen ready to wright that stuff down.      

3. What do you think about the current state of the music industry? Do you think it’s more difficult to build a career in music today than say 20 years ago?

I think the music industry is in a little bit of turbulence right now. It’s trying to figure out how to deal with a diminishing profit model caused by .99 cent downloads and online streaming. Nobody is buying full albums anymore. We buy our favorite song from the record and ignore the rest. It hurts the business side of things but it really screws with the up-and-coming artist who might not have the reach needed to make any sort of real money off of their single on iTunes. I think there are two ways to answer the “is it more difficult now” question. In some ways, yeah, it’s much harder now.  There is so much noise out there that a great band or a great song can get smothered by some skateboarding dog on YouTube.  Every songwriter has either a studio in their house or the ability to record a good quality demo and post it on the internet.  On the other hand, bands that broke in the 90’s and earlier had to travel around the country in a small van, playing three shows a night, making little money, and hoping that some A&R rep. would hear about them.  Don’t get me wrong, touring to promote your music is absolutely essential. I’m just saying that there are other avenues now that allow musicians to reach millions of people without ever leaving their basement. If it were up to me, I’d be in a smelly van.

4. Who are some of your favorite songwriters right now?

My favorite songwriter is Dave Matthews but I love the Beach Boys and think Brian Wilson is a genius. I also really like Chris Thile from Nickel Creek and now Punch Brothers. I’d throw in some John Mayer stuff too: Billy Joel, Sting, early Chris Martin.  I love that they actually write songs with meanings and messages.  I love songs you have to think about.  Ones that don’t spell it out for you in black and white.  I think there are some people who do that now, but I don’t think they’re the norm anymore.  I like Ed Sheeran a lot. Marcus Mumford is another one. I think he’s brilliant.

5. If you haven't already, are you open to working with another songwriter or a team of songwriters?

The first time I ever worked as a songwriting “team” was on this current FIVES record. For the most part I would start writing a song by myself, acoustic guitar and scratch lyrics, then bring it to the guys in the band for their input. With this current record, we’re working a lot with Nate and Steve on formulating the music and trying to build a song around a melody which was something totally new for me. I already had a lot of lyrics written for these songs, some we wrote in the studio, but it was a new experience for me having so many people focusing on lyrics. We’re definitely going to do some more co-writing in the future though.  I think these new songs are stronger because of it.

6. How important is outside opinions of your working songs?

I have a core group of 3 or 4 people who I ask to give me feedback on a song before it is finished, in addition to the guys in the band of course.  I think it’s good to have people outside of the band review your work since they are not emotionally attached to it.  With that said, I think a songwriter or a band should first trust themselves and their instincts over anyone else’s opinion. Outside opinions are great, but I use their feedback in correlation with how the band feels. If the band loves it, for me at least, that’s the most important thing. Otherwise I think it becomes very easy to fall into the trap of trying to please everybody and ultimately pleasing nobody.  

7. Do you think it would be beneficial to have an unbiased team of songwriters in the studio with you while you record music?

I don’t know if I would work well with a bunch of people in the studio making sure I checked all of the boxes on the hit song check list. I could see it more if I were a solo artist or making a solo record.  Then I think having a few extra sets of ears would be beneficial.  I’m in this band with a great group of guys who are all extremely talented. If something stinks, they’ll tell me about it because their names will be on it too. If you have a good band and good producers, then I think you’re all set.  I trust the guys I’m working with.  Otherwise why make music together?

8. What’s the most unique location you’ve ever written a song?

I write in the shower a lot.  I take really long showers.  I could be done in 2 minutes but there’s something about a hot shower that is really relaxing.  I guess that’s not too weird.  I should have said the zoo.

9. Who would win a drum off – Carter Beauford or Jamaal Turner?

Our drummer Jamaal is a very humble guy, so I know he would say that Carter would win.  I don’t think there are too many musicians out there like Carter.  What he can do on the drums is amazing.  Jamaal has a lot of those same qualities though which is really fun for me.  Sometimes when we’re playing he’ll do an amazing rhythm or syncopation and I’ll look back at him with this goofy smile on my face.  Half of the time I need to remind myself to keep playing because I’m too busy listening to all the cool stuff that Jamaal is doing. Jamaal for me is the mood ring on stage.  He tells me how I should be feeling.  If he’s having fun then I feel like I can relax and open up.  If he looks serious then I know we need to step up our game.

10. What would be a dream tour for FIVES to be on and why?

A dream tour… I know there are three venues that I’ve always wanted to play; The Gorge in Washington State, Red Rocks in Colorado, and Giant Stadium in New Jersey. I know that last one is a bit different, but I’m from Jersey originally and I saw my first concert there.  It was a co-headlining tour of Billy Joel and Elton John.  I think I was 10 or so.  The Gorge and Red Rocks I think are two of the most beautiful and iconic places to play music and it would be amazing to make loud noises there.

I think we’ve all imagined playing alongside of our musical heroes so any one of them would be a dream. Honestly, being able to go around the country playing our own songs is what it’s all about.  Putting on a great show remembering that when we play live we are literally someone’s Friday or Saturday night.  That’s a huge privilege and whether its in a 200 seat bar or a 10,000 seat amphitheater, just being on the road and on stage, that’s what this band lives for.

This month we are honored to interview Jordan Lally.  Jordan is a singer/songwriter, best known for his work with his own alternative rock band Fiction 20  Down, Jordan has written and produced over 50 songs on 5 studio albums. As frontman for Fiction 20 Down (also known as "F20D"), Jordan has toured  throughout the United States, including appearances at festivals like California Roots, Millennium Music and others.  This guy is the real deal!

1. Tell us about your musical background, how you got into songwriting, and any current projects you have now.

I started my career in music as an audio engineer, recording & mixing for other artists, initially at a commercial studio and then eventually at my own independent studio. I'd always loved music, but the studio experience exposed me to songwriting at all different levels across various genres, and really ignited my own passion for songwriting. Currently my primary outlet for songwriting is my band F20D - a hybrid of rock, hiphop & reggae which def keeps things interesting as a songwriter. I'm also currently working on a more intimate singer-songwriter EP to be released under my own name. I say intimate cause I'm using light percussion instead of live drums, acoustics/ukulele/cello instead of electric guitar, etc. I'm also currently producing a few projects with other artists that I co-write a bit on.

2. What influences you as a songwriter?

My primary influence as a songwriter is my own life experience, and that of those close to me. I can't write about something that I haven't experienced or witnessed in some fashion. I don't lean too much on modern radio, except when it comes to maybe structure or tempo, things like that, but that's really getting into more production rather than songwriting.

3. What do you think about the current state of the music industry? Do you think it’s more difficult to build a career in music today than say 20 years ago?

Unfortunately nowadays it's less about the music, and more about image. That's how I'd sum up the music industry. It's not enough just to be a great band anymore. The waters are too muddied, everyone is releasing music, so you really need that image to be well thought out and fine-tuned in order to stand out.

I'd say it's probably easier nowadays to built a modest career as an indie artist, kinda like starting a small business, but on the flip side it's significantly more difficult to grow that small business into something more legitimate. It was easier to become a "rock star" back in the day, but now it's at least easier to scrap together a living as a working musician.

4. Who are some of your favorite songwriters right now?

My favorite songwriters of all time are Damien Rice and Bradley Nowell. Currently I'm not tuned in too too much, but clearly whoever's the songwriter in Imagine Dragons is doing something right! Bruno Mars and his team are some great songwriters as well!

5. If you haven't already, are you open to working with another songwriter or a team of songwriters?

I have certainly worked with other songwriters within my own band. And as a producer, I get the opportunity to co-write with artists as well. I would be open to any & all collaborations with other songwriters in small numbers, especially in the producer/songwriter dynamic. But if I'm being honest, the thought of working with a "team" of songwriters sounds like a bad idea to me... when you try to please too many people, the art gets lost. 

6. How important is outside opinions of your working songs?

I believe that nothing matters more than your own opinion. I have to personally love something I'm going to put my name on, otherwise what's the point? That said, objective perspective is invaluable. I have a stable of people who I shoot new songs to for feedback... some of the feedback I agree with, some of it I don't... but listening to their opinions helps me crystalize my own. The key is to be able to balance other's opinions with your own gut feeling. 

7. Do you think it would be beneficial to have an unbiased team of songwriters in the studio with you while you record music?

For a pop artist trying to appeal to everyone, sure. But for me, one or two co-writers, invested in the project as producers or performers, that would be perfect. Any more and I think you start to get into trouble. Too many opinions can quickly take any song to a point of diminishing return. Songwriting is about unique perspective. That unique perspective becomes watered down as you involve more people. Bring in a team of producers to oversee the production of an already completed song, now that makes sense to me. For a song to be relevant on radio it needs to be framed in whatever the current contemporary format is... multiple producers could help in that regard. But in my opinion, songwriting is best left to those intimately connected to the subject matter and the project itself.

8. What’s the most unique location you’ve ever written a song?

No where interesting really... shower, couch, tour van... basically anywhere there's idle time enough for inspiration to creep in. A few weeks back I wrote an entire song while mowing the lawn:-) I'm pretty excited about that tune, it's got alot of potential. I actually already started pre-production on it, and I'm headed into the studio with my bandmates in a couple weeks to record.

9. Fiction 20 Down won “Breakout Artist of the Year” and you were nominated as one of Maryland’s best songwriters at the Maryland Music Awards – congrats! What’s next for you and the band?

Thank you! We're taking a step back from touring and focusing on the production of a few singles we've put together. We're also in the midst of bringing in some new management, so we'll be spending some time with that transition. Beyond that, we've got some cool things on the horizon!

10. Any advice for a songwriter who is starting to make a go at a career in the music industry?

Welcome outside opinions, but at the end of the day, trust yourself. Anyone can learn to play guitar, or program a hiphop beat, but what separates you from the pack is your own unique perspective shaped by your personal experiences. Use that, it's your greatest tool.

Thanks to Jordan for the interview.  We’re wishing you much success with your music and career in this crazy business we all know and love!  Check out and listen To Jordan Here: YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, ReverbNation

This month we have a treat for ya’ll!  Wesley Spangler is a singer/songwriter from Southern Maryland. This guy has opened for such acts as Rodney Atkins, Colt Ford, Sam Grow, Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Zac Brown, Jimmy Buffet, Tim McGraw and many others.  He’s  been featured on over 15 different radio and internet stations in 4 countries.  Check out what he has to say about music, songwriting and the music business in Maryland.

1. Tell us about your musical background, how you got into songwriting, and any current projects

I got into music through a friend in high school (Brian Feldmeier). He played drums when I met him and he said to me he was looking for a guitarist to form a band. I said "I play guitar!"  ...then I tried my best to learn and borrowed Brian's dad's guitar and away things went! LOL!!

2. What influences you as a songwriter?

Life and my social activities influence my songwriting most. All the songs on my current CD are based on stories in my life. Good or bad, they are parts of me and my life I felt I needed to share.

3. What do you think about the current state of the music industry? Do you think it’s more difficult to build a career in music today than say 20 years ago?

It seems to me the current state of music is based a lot on the current needs on people for "instant gratification". I feel big record companies, and most small ones want you to basically hand them a finished product to market instead of the idea I had of a record company working with artists from the start in all phases from recording to promoting. I don't know this from personal experience, and hope I am wrong.

4. Who are some of your favorite songwriters right now?

Some of my favorites are Taylor Swift, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, and hundreds of others and many different genres. There are tons of great writers out there!

5. If you haven't already, are you open to working with another songwriter or a team of

I've written every song I have recorded on my own and would definitely welcome the idea of collaborating with others in the writing process. I have a ton stories in my head to tell through songs but the ideas of others can in some cases, take a good song to the next level and make it a

6. How important is outside opinions of your working songs?

Outside opinions are crucial to help develop songwriting skills! The more, the better. You can't learn based on you own idea of what is good.

7. Do you think it would be beneficial to have an unbiased team of songwriters in the studio with you while you record music?

I can only imagine that an unbiased tem in the studio could help. I think the right suggestion while listening to a song could help, and what better time to change a song, then while in the

8. What’s the most unique location you’ve ever written a song?

The most unique location I have written at was a Walmart parking lot for the song Brand New Good Old Days. I was on my way to the studio to record a song and forgot my lyric sheet. I was not sure of the words and had an idea for another in my said, so I said: "What the heck, I'll just write another." It has ended up being my more requested originals to date too.

9. You’ve performed alongside some house hold names like Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, etc… What is your dream tour to be a part of?

My dream tour would be performing with.....well, there are tons of artists I'd love to perform with! I have had the honor of performing alongside with several greats, any of which I'd love to do a tour with, from Blake Shelton and Brad Paisley to Zac Brown and Colt Ford.

10. What do you think of the scene in Maryland for your style of music?

The Maryland scene for country music is doing well! It's full of great musicians and better, great people! The fans are the best! They always go above and beyond when it comes to support. I can't say enough that I appreciate them coming to shows. It's a tough thing to make time for and isn't always free. It means the world to me every time I see familiar faces at shows! It is the reason I give back as much I as can! Especially to our military! I can't thank them enough for what they do and I do shout outs at EVERY show to let them know!

Here is our second “10 Questions” Interview, with songwriters from our region.  This time we have, Jimi Haha (Jimi Davies).  This guys needs no introduction but we'll give him one anyway... Jimi has played, sang and written for Jimmy's Chicken Shack for over 20 years!  Jimi is also a talented artist/painter, an avid promoter of the Maryland music scene and an all around radical dude.  We sat down and asked Jimi 10 Questions about his music, influences and the industry in general.  Check out what he had to say:

1.  Tell us about your musical background, how you got into songwriting, and any current projects you have now. My first acapella performance was in first grade at a talent show.  I started playing guitar and writing songs at 12. I got expelled from school when i was 15 and that day I started singing while playing guitar. I started a band called Ten Times Big in 1987. We played with bands like The Psychedelic Furs, The Smithereens, Violent Femmes and Flock of Seagulls. In 1993 I started Jimmie's Chicken Shack. In 2003 I started Jarflys. In 2009 I put out a record with Burn the Fields. I am about to record a solo acoustic record. Jimmie's Chicken Shack and Jarflys still play shows. 2.  What do you think about the current state of the music industry? I don't think much of it one way or the other. I think there is good music and not so good music. I think there's a plus and minus to all of the things that have happened in the industry in the past 15 years.  Being an artist of any kind involves being adaptable if you want to survive. Some areas are more difficult and some have become easier. All in all the music industry is an industry. You can exist outside of that and just create music. You can exist within it and create music but you also have to treat it like a business. I like music. I don't like the music industry. I think there is a different dynamic to building a career now than there was 20 years ago. Back then the internet was hardly viable. You made records, hit the street, played as many gigs as you could, hand stamped post cards that you hand addressed every month to tell people about your upcoming shows. Today, well we know how different things have become. It's much easier to reach out to your audience immediately. There is also a lot more people reaching out. Back then you had to be able to play music and play it well. You recorded to tape. If you sucked, you did it over. Today it's all digital and auto tune. You also can build a fan base without ever playing one show. My opinion is that's kind of cool and that kind of sucks at the same time. 

3.  If you could talk to your 18 year old self, is there anything you would tell yourself about what it takes to make it in music? I would tell myself to have fun. Oh wait, I have had fun. Nevermind, I wouldn't tell myself anything. I would just let me be.

4.  Was there a specific moment in your career when you realized you had “arrived” or knew that your career was taking off? No. I just always knew I was where I was supposed to be and that I would end up where I was supposed to end up. There is no defining moment. It has always been a collection of defining moments that hopefully have not fully defined themselves yet. 5.  Who are some of your favorite songwriters right now? There are so many. Bob Schneider. Patty Griffin. Lake Street Dive. Pinback. Kermit de Frog. 6.  Have you ever worked with another songwriter or a team of songwriters? If so, how did it go? Jimmie's Chicken Shack's "Re.present" had collaborations with Butch Walker, Art Alexakis, John Wozniak, Aaron Lewis and Mark Tremonti. It is fun to write with different people. I had a blast. 7.  Do you think it would be beneficial to have an unbiased team of songwriters in the studio with you while you record music? I think it is beneficial to create in any way possible. 8.  What’s the most unique location you’ve ever written a song? I guess on the toilet. Thankfully it wasn't a shitty song 9.  If you could make a dream team band around you, who would it be? Living or dead. Bob Marley, John Lennon, Elvis, Jesus, and Mark Twain. I think I would name us The Nobodies. 10.  What’s one of the craziest things you have seen or have happened to you on the road? "On the advice of my counsel I respectfully exercise my fifth amendment right and decline to answer that question,"

Here is the first of our "10 Questions" Interviews with songwriters from our region.  First up,  Shelby Blondell.  Shelby is a super talented singer, songwriter, and performer from MD. She's had some amazing opportunities to play with Howie Day, Aaron Carter, Ginny Blackmore and others. We sat down and asked Shelby 10 Questions about her music, her influences and the industry.  Check out what she had to say: