LOVE STORY HERO EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

It has been a while my friends! Work has been busy which is fantastic BUT I had to write a blog about a talented guy I have known for years. I keep watching him get more and more exposure on MySpace and I really believe he will be a huge artist someday, therefore I asked him to do an interview with me so that his fans could really get to know the man behind the music. He has been a top artist on MySpace in the unsigned category for months now, so it is my prediction that it is only a matter of time before he gets snatched up by a label like so many other artists who have been in his position. Justin Culver of Love Story Hero has passionate and heart felt lyrics, that his thousands of fans identify with and I am honored to have been able to ask him these questions... I hope you all enjoy and make sure to add him on MySpace, and download his music on iTunes.


JB: Where were you born, and where did you grow up?

LSH: I was born in Pasadena California and lived there for most of my childhood then moved to Moorpark California. I have lived here ever since.

JB: When did you discover your talent with music?

LSH: I have always had a love for music since an early age. I was raised by both parents with a musical background. Let’s just say there was always some kind of music being played or listened to in my house.

JB: What instrument [s] do you play?

LSH: My main instrument of choice is guitar but I have also played bass guitar in a previous band. I also enjoy playing drums and piano… well as best as I can!

JB: Who was your biggest influence in music growing up?

LSH: I would have to say my father has been my biggest musical influence. He has always taught me to appreciate the art of music and all it has to offer.

JB: Have your parents or family supported you throughout your musical career?

LSH: My parents and family have always highly supported me through out my musical career. Majority of the time you will see my family supporting me at live shows and you will often see my sisters sitting at my merchandise booth.

JB: What led you to the position you are in today?

LSH: When I was younger I always played with the band at my church which gave me a huge grasp on playing with other musicians. I eventually started a rock band with a couple friends which I played bass guitar. After a couple years we split our own directions which led to me picking up an acoustic guitar and started writing my own material… thus the result of Love Story Hero.

JB: What is your favorite television show?

LSH: My favorite shows would have to be The Office (American version) and Family Guy… I don’t think I could ever watch an episode of either of those shows without laughing hysterically (I am amused easily.. what can I say?!)

JB: What is your all time favorite band?
LSH: I don’t really have an all time favorite because there are so many different amazing bands out there. But I must say my recent favorite has to be The Spill Canvas.

JB: What one quote would be a good way to describe to be your “life motto”?

LSH: Live every day to the fullest and follow your dreams… you are the only one who can stop yourself from fulfilling your dreams.

JB: What direction do you feel the music industry is going in today?

LSH: I feel it’s taking a huge turn into the independent wave. There are so many bands that can create a buzz, build a loyal fan base, and even get radio/TV airplay without even a record label backing them. The Internet [MySpace] is a HUGE tool for unsigned artists to self promote.

JB: What are your lyrics about?

LSH: My lyrics are always very personal. I always write about something that affects me personally or someone close to me. So it can be about: life, death, love, hurt, happiness, etc.

JB: If you could describe yourself in one or two words, what would they be?

LSH: Passionate and determined!

JB: What artist would you like to work with in the future?

LSH: Really any artist who is passionate about what they do and enjoy making music for the love of music and not all the glam and glory that comes along with it.

JB: How would you describe your personal style of music?

LSH: I don’t really stick to a certain “style” but whatever comes out in the writing process is what is the end result. The lyrics are always very personal and relatable. I don’t just write a song to write one.

JB: How would you describe the sound on your album?

LSH: It has a very mellow somber feel to it. Most of the songs were written during a time in my life where a lot was happening at one time.

JB: Do you work with any charities, or are you interested in any?

LSH: Two organizations I highly support are “To Write Love On Her Arms” and “Invisible Children”. I am always open to play charity events that help support people who are in need.

JB: What is one random fact about you?

LSH: I love Coca-cola stuff. I collect it and have a full bookshelf full of collectibles. I know, weird huh!

JB: Do you have any political views, and do they affect your music?

LSH: I do have some political views but I keep them out of my music. I think my opinion is for me and I don’t want to force views on anyone else, because I know everyone has their own view on things.

JB: What is your favorite part of being a solo artist?

LSH: I love the freedom as a solo artist. I am able to play a show anytime anywhere. I am able to travel/tour when my schedule permits rather then working around other band members. I must admit I miss the creativity that a band brings as a group and also the fun of live shows.

JB: What would you tell young people about getting into the music industry?

LSH: It’s a tough business but just keep your heart in the right place and don’t get lost in the whole bad side of the industry.

JB: Where do you see yourself in a year?

LSH: I hope to be touring the U.S. again and to release a full length CD.

JB: How many times have you toured and who have you toured with?

LSH: I have toured several different times. Mainly with just local acts from the area I was touring through. I would have to say my favorite touring buddy is Cary Judd. He has an amazing heart and amazing music. (www.caryjudd.com – make sure to check him out)

JB: What are some bands or artists today that are making waves in the industry in your opinion?

LSH: Like I said before it’s a lot of the unsigned artists or indie label artists who are breaking though the stereotype that you need a major label backing to succeed.

JB: Do you think it is a sell-out to sell your music for a commercial?

LSH: I don’t think so at all. It’s a very powerful tool to get your music heard and get your name out there. People LOVE to search on the internet for a song they heard in a certain commercial. For example, Ingrid Michaelson has had huge success from one song recently played on an Old Navy Commercial.

JB: Where is your favorite place to play?

LSH: Well my favorite place to play is the bathroom… but we will keep that on the down low. Haha no but I do love playing a small coffee shop intimate venue as well as a bigger venue with a band backing me. There are aspects to both settings that I love.

JB: How does your music fit into today’s scene?

LSH: There is a whole new group of solo artists who are emerging and becoming successful. So I feel I could possible fit into this category someway somehow.

JB: What are some of your passions or hobbies?

LSH: My biggest passion is music. But I don’t really have any other hobbies besides that due to lack of time in the day. I must admit I am getting pretty hooked on Guitar Hero III though… Slash is a hard guy to battle!

JB: Does being a solo artist have negative sides to it?

LSH: The main negative side I see is that there is less creativity with only one person… there are so many more good song ideas and concepts with more brains working on it.

JB: What is it like being an independent artist?

LSH: I love being independent. I love to freedom to be able to release new songs whenever you want and being able to do pretty much anything you would like with your music without the influence of a label. The main down side is it’s harder to get music to people who aren’t local without distribution. But I feel online downloads and online purchase of CD’s is a huge help in that aspect.

YOU CAN SEE MORE ON LOVE STORY HERO AT: LOVE STORY HERO

AND MAKE SURE TO PICK UP LOVE STORY HERO MUSIC ON ITUNES!

Natalie Walker - Urban Angel

I finally received the Natalie Walker press kit yesterday! Of course, upon stumbling across her MySpace page I instantly wanted to sign her to my firm - I would love to be able to get press for her! But for now I am sticking to an album review.

What drew me in was that her sound brought me back to music that I loved before I got sucked into the rock scene [not that it is a bad scene to be in!] Her first full length album "Urban Angel" is really a triumph when it comes to her genre of music... which she describes on her MySpace as down-tempo/electronica/tip hop. The first thing that came to mind when I heard the song "Crush" was a flash back to the "Romeo & Juliet Soundtrack" circa 1996 - which happens to be one of my favorite albums of all time, and it is not just because Leonardo DiCaprio was in the film. Natalie's music would have fit right in with the genius collaboration of artists. So with the nineties in mind - I would have to say she successfully captures her influences Ani Difranco, Beck, Goldfrapp, Bjork, Fiona Apple, Moby, and Portishead almost seamlessly - combining all the strengths of these powerful artists and creating her own modern sound.

Other people who have reviewed this album and have described it as "haunting," "ambient," and "a sexy record" - I could not agree more. She has an angelic voice, making the title of the album fit perfectly, with fantastic keyboards and flowing beats that create the urban feel. The first song on the album sets the mood for what I can only describe as ecstasy in music. "Crush" leaves the listener hanging on every note Natalie sings, her voice dripping with sweetness and mystery as she says, "Oh I've sinned against my youth I won't apologize for what feels right bit the apple just for you my desire won that fight." The song "Urban Angel" actually turned out to be one of my favorite songs on the the album, the vocals were more powerful here saying "no matter how many times I leave I always hear her voice calling me I could be a million miles away but its here, I'll always have a place." The track that stood out the most to me above the rest was "Rest Easy" which picks the album up a bit and wakes it from some of the other sleepier tracks.

In total, I would have to say Natalie delivers a pure, sometimes melancholy, and entrancing album. Some additional info that I pulled from Natalie's MySpace page is that the first single from Urban Angel "No One Else" was featured on Entourage - which is always a plus - and the Thievery Corporation remix of her second single "Quicksand" appeared in a trailer for the Kirsten Dunst film "Marie Antoinette."

Right now in the music industry - where pop rock and hip hop dominate the scene there is an occasional quirky character, like Amy Winehouse or Feist sneaking in there. I am hoping that Natalie Walker will be one of those treasures that sneaks in - and allures listeners in from all over the world. Her album is just plain heavenly.


**I recommend purchasing the album on iTunes so listeners can get the "Quicksand" remix. It is well worth the purchase.**

Introducing Streets Of Rage

It is beyond appropriate that my first blog post be about a band that is not only like my family, but a band that I admire for their hard work, determination, and complete love for their fans. Their EP "The Things We Think And Do Not Say" was highly anticipated... to say the least. Before it was even released [September 1, 2007] they had a cult following that began on MySpace, and grew weekly with hundreds of teenagers adding themselves as online friends and spreading the word about "SOR." Even I could not wait to see the finished product from these five talented guys.

Streets of Rage, which was originally started by Addison Kowalski, Brandon Bonfiglio, and Dan Kinsner, has quickly become one of the most watched bands to emerge out of Southern California. Their sound - a brilliant blend of electronic pop rock reflects New Found Glory, NSync, and of course, Hellogoodbye. Each song on their six song EP gratifies every inch of the ear with a perfect mix of heartfelt lyrics and vocals with thick guitar and dance beats. The album, and these five gentlemen are infectious, and the buzz around these boys is continuing to grow in leaps and bounds.

Back to the music - My two favorite tracks from the EP: "Thumbs Up" and "Me To Offer" are guaranteed to become anthems for every high schooler and college kid in the US. In "Me To Offer" Kowalski sings in the chorus "I'm not part of the in crowd I don't wear tight jeans or band shirts I'm just the boy who sits next to you on the bus" making every kid who may not be "cool" suddenly feel like they don't have to be part of the in crowd. The lyrics even get a little risque in "Thumbs Up" saying "thumbs up to zippers down I want to see your clothes on the floor" and "we're touching behind locked doors I never thought she could be so sexy." The lyrics are just edgy enough to make parents squirm, and have teenagers chanting along at live shows.

Streets of Rage sold out their first show ever at the famed Glasshouse in Pomona on September 1, 2007 – and they are proving to be an unstoppable force. Their second show on November 17th, in which they will be opening for Teddy Geiger at The Glasshouse is already projecting to sell out. Their EP is quickly turning into a cult classic and it is now ready to be exposed to the world.

I give this album five stars - and I am always looking forward to what new material these guys have up their sleeves. I have a feeling that they may have some surprises in store for fans for their next show - and I will definitely be covering the progress in their success in this crazy industry.