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A Little Business

I just wanted to take a minute to thank all of the great artists that have submitted their EPKs to be considered for a post here on the blog. I currently have a backlog of interesting interviews and excellent music to bring you; in the next couple of weeks I'll be posting more installments of Past, Present, Future. So if you're waiting for your interview to be posted, rest assured that I will get to it as soon as I can.

And if you want to make my backlog even bigger, send me an email at tyler[at]twogroove.com and I'd be happy to check out your music! Alternatively, you can submit your EPK through SonicBids or post your music to TwoGroove.

Past, Present, Future: Greg Gescha

Continuing our unplanned, 2-stop tour of Canadian singer/songwriters (Daniela Nardi was the other), I'm happy to present TwoGroove's interview with acoustic solo artist Greg Gescha. Check out some select tracks from Shakkei, Greg's recently released album. Stay tuned for a review, coming up when I can catch up on all the great interviews I have to share with you!

1. Past: What is your musical background? What has led you to this point?
I grew up around my parents music as well as my older brother’s records which they’d bring back from boarding school in Victoria when we lived in Trinidad & Tobago. In school there, I would act and sing in plays. We’d sing carols in the morning. Music was everywhere.

I learned guitar at age 9 and by 14 had started to write my own songs. I’d jam with friends throughout my school days and in high school, would enter talent contests.

From grade 12 and onward I’ve been involved with bands (original/cover). From ’92-’97 I put out 3 CD's with different bands. By 2000 I was concentrating more than ever on my own music which I’d been continuing on the sidelines.

2. Present: Where are you at now in your career? What are you currently working on?
I released my 3rd solo CD in Nov’08. Had a CD release party w/a full band. Now I’d like to start playing around the city/province and get some exposure on that level as well as on the internet and radio.

3. Future: What’s coming up for you? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I will strive to become a better musician/songwriter. Perhaps do more collaboration. Like to get a decent video done.
In 5 yrs. I’d hope to have a couple more CD;s out as well as have a name that’s somewhat recognizable in the music community here in Canada and abroad.

4. Where can people find more of your music?
I have my own website, greggescha.com and a myspace. I’m also on radio3.cbc.ca and soon to be on myspace.com/kerfmusic.

I recently signed up with Tunecore so I’ll have my music available for purchase through sites like Napster, Emusic and Amazon.mp3.

5. Anything you’d like to plug?
I’d like to plug in my car now cuz it’s freakin cold!!

Past, Present, Future: The Scarlets

You've heard it before...but you haven't. The Scarlets, hailing out of Seattle, have a familiar indie-rock sound but when you listen closely, it's all new. Seth Littlefield's smooth vocals layer nicely over a simple power trio arrangement. Read our interview below and be sure to check out the song "Pick a Card"; it is a perfect example of the group's personality.

1. Past: What is your musical background? What has led you to this point?

Well, Seth is currently teaching drum lessons to middle-schoolers…and yes, he’s our guitarist and vocalist. After many years of percussion college, trips to Cuba and transcriptions of Art Blakey solos, Seth discovered his new favorite musical outlet: indie-rock with subtle Latin undertones. Since Noah and Seth are family…it seemed like it would be a natural addition to put Noah’s many childhood drum lessons to use. It turns out, they paid off. Then… to glue the two together, The Scarlets were providential to find the final 60 degrees…Shaun Stangler. His bass work is a true reflection of the many years studying guitar and jazz sax.

2. Present: Where are you at now in your career? What are you currently working on?

We feel that we are at the beginning of the “get your music out there” stage. We have a bunch of shows coming up while already having some very successful shows as of recently. We are very excited with our new material and still thoroughly enjoy playing what we released on our E.P. last year. After bashing out our new songs live for a little while, and narrowing down the list of songs, we plan on getting in the studio to finalize and release our first full length.

3. Future: What’s coming up for you? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Like I mentioned earlier, a full length album. But also in the near future, we hope to find another multi-instrumentalist. Especially with the new stuff; we could definitely use another organ/piano/guitar person.

4. Where can people find more of your music?

You can always visit our EPK at: TheScarlets.com OR http://www.myspace.com/musicbythescarlets

5. Anything you’d like to plug?

We’ve got some shows coming up soon if you’re near Seattle!
Feb 20th @ The Mix
Mar 8th @ The Skylark