Aaron Laird

How did you get started in music?
Seven years ago, was when I started with music. Please refer to my musical biography:

Biography-
Back in 2004, the singer/songwriter Aron Lyrd was struggling to get by and had landed a job working in the mail room for the government. Despite the low pay, there was room for advancement. Before he was able to come to his first day of, he contracted transverse myelitis, which involved swelling of the spine. He was an avid martial artist from age 7 up until he was paralyzed. At the same time, he had a stroke that came about from a blood clot that moved from his leg to his brain. Even with these two events happening, he managed to regain the usage of his arm. After all the happened, there was time available for reflection. He would ponder why all of this came about. Seeking answers was not easy, as seemed hard to find. Such tragedy does not normally occur all at the same time, as he remained perplexed, as to why it had to happen. Many of the previous years of his life, he turned to songs that he could relate to that helped him deal with the minor ups and downs of his life at the time. Being the universal language, music always seemed to inspire him to keep going, regardless of whether things looked more bleak than not. Over the time that this was happening, he became inspired to write some poetry. While it was a good means of expressing how he felt, it didn't feel like quite enough. He wrote some music to accompany it and decided to buy enough studio tome to record the songs that he felt best reflected his abilities as a musician. Once all was said and done, he completed converting of his poems into songs. More songs would follow, as further inspiration came to him over time. After listening to his songs, he liked what he heard from the finished product.

What's the basics methods when you write and made a song? I would typically write it as a poem fist. Afterward, I write and record the instrumental part of the music for it.

What plans do you have for the near future?
I have an account with RecordDeal.com . They're telling me that the record label, Universal, asked them to make a proposal of what I should get from Universal, in terms of a record deal. We're just now waiting to hear back from Universal.

How would you define your music?
It is essentially alternative rock that's inspired by past experiences in my life.

What has been the funniest moment after or during a show or tour?
I remember reciting my poetry on stage once, where the open mic host asked for not one, but two rounds of applause. To me, reciting my poetry and singing on stage resemble each other very much.

Who are your music influences?
Aerosmith, AC/DC, and KISS

Are you Ok, with the direction you're moving so far?
Yes, I am and I would be perfectly content to see a multi-album deal with Universal materialize in the immediate future. 

Listen more: http://www.myspace.com/aronlyrdmusic

Jim Moffatt

So how did you came up with all this? How you began your music career?

My parents were drunks. So I hid behind my guitar.  Still do in some ways but now I can play J

What' s your methods at the time of writing a song?

Many many different ways to write a song. Sometimes it’s the rhythm of the streets that gets me going.  Sometimes something I hear on the buss of a private telephone conversation that we all hear in public places.  There is no set way but only the yielding to the muse at the moment.

Who are your music influences? 

Anyone who writes a song with a story.

How would you define your music?

Jim Croce meets Godzilla.

What's the song you can't stop listen?

The Mary Ellen Carter by Stan Rogers. Very positive, uplifting and just a tad rebellious.

Are you Ok, with the direction you're moving?

Musically sure I love what I do but playing as a single or duo doesn’t give me the texture I always want.

Its time to get a band together and I will be starting that project in the very near future

Listen more: http://www.myspace.com/jim.moffatt

Noa Bentor

How did you get started with your music career?

I was born on a kibbutz in Israel, but when I was seven years old we moved to Melbourne Australia. There my ears open and I started to listen to amazing music and sing at every opportunity. When I came back to Israel I studied music in high-school, sang and played guitar in some bands but only when I lived in new-york (where I went to college) I decided I want to write my own songs and I started my path as a singer-songwriter…

I would sit and listen to music for hours, read the lyrics of every song I loved and worked with different musicians who taught me how to say what I want in a song.

In 2005 my debut album "waiting on a shelf" came out – whom I worked on with Assaf Spector and Gil Gilmore.

What are your influences for your music?

My first cd's ever were Paul Simon, Janis Ian, Leonard Cohen…. Of course it was the 80's so I listened to Michael Jackson, Madonna and some good Australian bands like Inxs.

Later on I fell in love with The Beatles, Tom Waits, Joni Mitchel , but as a teenager I listened to Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Radiohead (like everyone else… no?)

Today I have so much music that I love- from Wilco to Johanna Newsom, Beck, the Strokes, Alela Diane and Cat Power.

What plans do you guys have for the future?

My new album "Modern Grace" is coming out this April.

On March we will be performing at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas and then we have some gigs in New-York. After that we'll have a big album release show in Israel and then I'm hoping to tour with my new album.

 
How would you define your music?

The hardest question ever…. Very intimate, mature, soft but edgy….i don't know- very me.

What has been the funniest moment after a show or tour?

I can't think of one incident, but I have a weird craving for a Hamburger after I sing – I just need meat! So my friends know that after each show we are all gonna go to a burger joint and we already mapped out Tel-Aviv for the best burgers.

What song can't you get out of your head?

It obviously changes according to my mood and there are so many songs that follow me for years. For now- will it sound vain if I say one of my songs? It makes sense though- I'm mixing my new album so I only hear them.

Do you feel you are moving on the right way?

I hope. I think so. I feel that I worked on my new album in the right way- taking my time, finding the sound, figuring out what's right for each song, recording at the best places and I hope that the authenticity of the songs will come out.

I just signed with a manager in the states and I'm hoping that the show at South by South West will get things rolling. And the most important thing is that I feel that I'm getting better all the time. That's rewarding. 







Listen more: http://www.youtube.com/NoaBentor

Car Party

How did you guys came up with the band's name?
Most of the time we find the car rides to be more fun than actually reaching our destination and doing whatever we planned on that night being a show or just hanging out. Eventually we moved our hangouts to the car, had no destination and usually involved fast food which was later known as a 'Car Party'. We were brainstorming on names after practice one night and Lane Ferrell(Guitarist) suggested the name 'Car Party'

How did Car Party began?

Taylor Hughes(Drummer) actually found all of us via craigslist, She Met Lane Ferrell late 2009, Michael Natzke(Vocalist) was the last to join before going into studio to record our debut EP Excuses. Later in 2010 Christopher Martin(Bassist) joined.

What would be your favorite song from the band?
We've been writing for the past few months and recently finished a new song that doesn't have a name yet, we played it out once and it's by far one of the best songs we've written as a whole, Everyone will be hearing it soon.

What has been the funniest prank you guys have been or took part while, before or after a show?
We've pranked Mike a good bit, calling him at early hours pretending we're random girls form the red roof in that he's had one night stands with, good times.

What plans do you guys have for the future?
We're getting ready to go into studio with Ace Enders to record a single in the next few weeks of January then heading out for a few weekend tours.

What are your hobbies?
Michael is huge into video games and his beard, Lane is a huge movie buff and is always quoting movies, Chris is just outlandish and off the wall and just likes messing with random people and Taylor just kind of puts up with it all.

Are you guys feeling are moving forward as a band?
Definitely, we feel like we're doing all the things we should be at this point.

Check out more: www.carpartyband.com

Level 10

What's the meaning behind the band's name?

To me, the highest level of contentment in life occurs when wisdom and experience meet music and creativity. That is a Level 10 moment.

How did all this get started??

Levy DeAndrade
Piano and Keyboard:

One of the area’s most respected and sought after keyboard players, Levy has earned the admiration and respect of fans and peers alike for his talent and professionalism.  His artistry in blending Latin dance rhythm with soulful jazz styles have given his music an unforgettable trademark sound which has earned recognition by local and national and international jazz music experts.  He has been described by a fan as “one of a kind when it comes to piano jazz explorations, and his unique playing style is all his own.” His playing is a “lovely delight to savor and enjoy!”

Born on March 6, in Parana, Brazil, Levy’s first inspiration came when he was given a tape recorder and guitar for his 7th birthday.  His musical prodigy was realized when, in two months time, he was composing and performing on the instrument for his friends and family.  Within the next two years, he was performing on stages in his hometown for the public.  After being introduced to the piano by his instructors at school, Levy developed a love for the instrument and soon mastered the keys.  
 

After graduating from high school and receiving a scholarship and grant to study music in the US, Levy relocated to the states where he started his music career as a performer in San Francisco’s top jazz venues.

After a successful stint in California, Levy was invited to relocate to New York City to become a ‘first call’ studio musician for The Hit Factory.  There he composed, arranged and shared the stage with many musical greats.  Having enjoyed being in great demand for his recording sessions and live performances, Levy then decided to establish his own recording studio.  There he mastered the mechanics of the music business and engineered and produced albums for both clients and himself.

Levy relocated to Tampa, Florida in 2004.  Having founded a successful recording studio and producing several albums, Levy decided to dedicate his musical expertise to forming a band.  After four years of searching out local talent, he found not only the best players in their fields, but also the right chemistry to create a mature group of musicians dedicated to creating soul inspiring jazz music.


Levy’s group, named Level 10 Band, took the area by storm when after only a year together, they decimated the competition in a local radio station contest.  After winning the title of “Tampa Bay’s Best Smooth Jazz Band” by CBS Radio, the requests began pouring in for appearances and performances.  Since that time, Levy and Level 10 have performed for jazz festivals, city organizations, Carnival Cruise Lines, local jazz clubs, national and international radio stations, and have appeared on  FOX, ABC and CBS TV for interviews and live performances. Both Levy’s original compositions and new arrangements of popular songs have been leaders on the jazz charts on CD Baby, Rhapsody and iTunes.

In celebration of their rapid rise to acclaim as an award-winning, underground jazz band, Level 10 named their first album “Together.”  Released in 2009, the CD features original compositions by Levy as well as inspiring arrangements of popular tunes.  Levy’s music has developed and matured over the years and combined with the talent and determination of his band members, Level 10 has been and will continue to be a dominating force in the world of Jazz music.

What's the message to transmit with your music??

I want the listener to experience the intersection of musical talent with raw emotion. I believe that music is a powerful tool that can touch a person’s deepest spirit.

what’s your method at the time of writing a song??

I am usually inspired by a good groove. When I sit down at the keyboard, my mood at the time ends up as notes on a staff!

Who are your music influences??

Michael Camilo, Chick Corea, Dave weckl, Cesar Camargo, 

What plans do you guys have for the future??

Win a Grammy for best jazz band, be # 1 In Latin Jazz  on Billboard and making a good living doing  music

What has been the greatest day in the band?

Lancaster Jazz Festival in UK

Written by CME Artist, UK
 
My personal highlight of the whole Lancaster Festival though I must declare an interest in funky,
Cuban, Brazilian and American modern jazz played at Grammy nominated level and Level 10 are just that. Their performance at a packed Dalton Rooms on the Sunday evening, one of the last shows of the festival was, for me, as good as it gets.
 
Levy DeAndrade (keys), Rex Freligh (sax), Yovannis Roque (bass) and Sean Fote (drums) are

undisputed masters of their respective instruments and the dexterity and ferocity with which they
play together on Levy’s complex yet highly rhythmic compositions is the key to the response this band received. Not only was the dance floor packed but the band received that most positive of audience feedback: the audience’s approval after songs was so loud that the mics on stage started to pick it up and feed the jubilant roar back into the PA. This is, as far as I know, something new for Lancaster. It happened with Level 10 on Sunday Oct. 10th 2010. May it happen here again and soon!

What has been the funniest prank you guys have been or took part while on tour or after a show??
While in England for a Jazz Festival, we decided to call for pizza delivery. Only problem was, it was with a US cell phone number. They thought it was a prank, especially when we had no idea where to tell them to deliver the pizza!

If you guys were stranded in the middle of nowhere after a show or while on tour. The help is 65 miles away from where you guys are, ¿Who would you guys send to look for help? And if while the rest wait, there's no food and the only way to feed yourself is by eating each other, ¿Who would you eat first?

Well, I’d definitely send the percussionist for help – they’re all usually pretty resourceful. I probably wouldn’t eat anyone; musicians don’t taste very good…

Wat are your hobbies?

Music, Soccer, Recording, woodwork, Playing with my kids, life with my wife.

What country you guys would love to play?

Japan, Brazil, Italy, Spain, Germany,

With what bands you guys would love to share stage??

Dave Weckl, Michael Camilo, Chick Corea

Are you guys OK, with the direction the band is going actually?

Very happy and excited for the future.

Check out more: www.level10band.com

Triangle Offense

What's the meaning behind your name?
The term comes from basketball. We're all HUGE basketball fans. We like to see ourselves as a triple threat -not just because we're 3 people-, but more because we write, produce and perform all our music on our own.

How did you guys get started with all this?

Sci and Bry met in grammar school, but started rapping together around high school. Bry knew Pwol and introduced him to Sci because Pwol needed a producer. We were recording and making music together often, so we naturally decided to make songs together. It became bigger and more serious as time went by.

What's the message you guys want to transmit with your music?

To just live life. You can just be you and be cool. You don't have to conform to how society says you should be and what you should like.

What's your method at the time of writing a song?
There's never a set way! We're firm believers that the best music comes in the moment. You can never force music. It never comes out good. You can always tell when the music is trying too hard.

Who are your music influences?

Of course, we love Hip-Hop -Jay-Z, Nas, Kanye, Drake, Wale, J. Cole, Theophilus London-, among others. (We also gotta show love to Wu Tang and Dipset!) We listen to all types of music though -Billy Joel, Passion Pit, Florence + The Machine, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Taking Back Sunday-...the list goes on and on!

What plans do you guys have for the future?

Musically, our main focus is our trilogy of mixtapes on the way. It's a love story told in three parts. We released "The Courting" last April, which was the first part. The next one is "The First Love", then the finale, "The Break Up", comes after that. Of course, we look forward to performing in different places and reaching all types of people with what we're doing. We want the opportunity to meet everyone that enjoys our music and show them our gratitude through our stage show.

What has been the greatest day as a musician?

This might sound cheesy, but every day is great because we're doing what we love. We're even thankful for those days where things go wrong, because without them, we couldn't full enjoy the days when everything goes our way. The struggles make those victories so much sweeter!

If you guys were stranded in the middle of nowhere after a show or while on tour, and the help is 65 miles away from where you guys are, who would you guys send to look for help? And if while the rest wait, there's no food and the only way to feed yourself is by eating each other, who would you eat first?

We would try to call Jack Bauer from 24, Jason Bourne, or MacGyver because those guys can get out of ANYTHING. MacGyver would be last resort though, because he's kinda old now. If we had to eat each other, Sci and Pwol would probably team up because Bry's bigger than both of them. Sci likes his meat Medium Rare though, so Bry wouldn't be in much pain because they wouldn't cook him too long.

What are your hobbies?
Of course, we love to watch basketball. We each like different teams, too, so it gets interesting when our teams play each other. We love going out to eat. We're foodies! We especially love burgers. Each of us has our own favorite burgers list. It gets really serious.

What country would you guys love to play?

Our homeland, the Philippines! Pwol has performed there, but we've never performed all together.

With what bands would you guys love to share the stage?

Passion Pit or Holy Ghost! Their stage shows are so sick. They would also compliment our music so well because we all strive for similar sounds.

Are you guys happy with the direction the band is going?

VERY! We had an idea a year ago and it's so great seeing our plans come into fruition. It's one thing to think about it, but to actually live it is indescribable.

Official blog: www.triangle-offense.com
 

Free downloads of all the music, including their mixtape “The Courting:” http://triangle-offense.com/?page_id=2

A commercial for their upcoming interactive music video project for “Swing My Way:” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRsVkof8S0w
 

Link to purchase their single "TGIF" on iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/t-g-i-f/id390359601

A$troe

What's the meaning behind Astroe?

The meaning of A$troe is- "The combing to form a star".

How did you get started with all this??

I started writing poetry at the age of 11, writing beats and rapping at the age of 14, by 15-16 years old I was recording in a professional studio. Being young and coming from the inner city and having a broken home, I was inspired to reach people with my music..

What's the message you want to transmit with your music??

The message with my music is "Power" and understanding that we all possess it and can over come life's struggles and pressures, it also transmits real life, creative action through experience, this makes it so music supporters on a worldwide basis relate and connect with the music.

What's your method at the time of writing a song??

My method at the time of writing a song.. Its like a crazy science project, music's playing, an i'm getting all my concepts out so i can shape the content to be a powerful song...

Who are your music influences??

My music influences are: Tupac, BigPun, Biggie, Jayz, Dr. Dre, Naz, Russell Simmons, P. Diddy, people like that...

What song or album can’t you stop listening to?

Song I can't stop listening to, a song I created for my album "Influence", it really moves me.

What plans do you have for the future??

Plans for my future is to push my music career to heights most people only dream of, this is what I do; so my main future plan is to progress and progress.

What has been the funniest prank you have been or took part while on tour or after a show??

As far as pranks, we don't do that... lol

What has been the greastest day in your music career?

The greatest day as a musician for me was the day i learned how to produce my own music, it was really like being born again..

If you were stranded in the middle of nowhere after a show or while  on tour. The help is 65 miles away from where you guys are, ¿Who would you guys send to look for help? And if while the rest wait, there's no food and the only way to feed yourself is by eating each other, ¿Who would you eat first?

I guess I would go to get help and food for the simple fact: I don't eat people. So I would make sure I don’t in that situation to eat someone. Lol

What country would you love to play?

I would love to play in "Brazil".

What are your hobbies?

I use to play video games, not really too much time for that now, so every now and then I pull up metal of honor and have a little fun...

With which bands you would love to share stage??

Jayz, Drake, Naz, Eminem, I would like to share a stage with those guys...

Are you guys OK, with the direction the band is moving so far?

I'm happy with the direction I'm headed, always getting better at what I am and what I'm doing…

Check out more: http://www.astroe.net/