Exposed Vocals Interviews John Tafaro Music
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
John Tafaro Music:
I grew up in Northern New Jersey, my father was in a band in the late 60’s and recorded original material, he was the lead singer so growing up I was exposed to a lot of doo wop and Al Green, Frankie Vall and the four seasons, Paul McCartney, Three Dog Night, the Doobie Brothers and the Bee Gee’s and Donna Summer, Chic etc. So early on although I don’t sing, I had a rhythm in my head with a bassline kind of short snippet / phrases a lot like Acid Loops today.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
John Tafaro Music:
It’s my name, that’s all
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
John Tafaro Music:
The days of the traditional recording contract are done, the internet kind of blew that all up and changed things, giving artists more control in many ways. Part of gaining a foothold today involves getting your material out there in the internet ether, hoping you can start to gain an audience and part of that is giving a song or two away, tracks not available on the “album”, exclusive kind of stuff which hopefully they will share and help your cause virally. I think sharing is brilliant and I do give songs away for free.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
John Tafaro Music:
I don’t think you can get any smaller than a one person operation. My tip or advice is create music you love, and gig like crazy get your buzz going even if they don’t offer gas money. Network with other bands and musicians, and don’t be afraid to give your music away online.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
John Tafaro Music:
My process, being I am not a traditional musician ( I dabble and have some proficiency with keyboards, guitar, drums etc.) is creating a song in my program of choice, then sculpting the chord sheet and getting the “players” to play what I want. I then use the individual tracks and mix them and master them in Reaper.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
John Tafaro Music:
I don’t have a website per say, but I use various online outlets for getting my music out there such as Reverbnation:
https://www.reverbnation.com/johntafaromusic
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/j-wicked-mix
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
John Tafaro Music:
I would pay bills and purchase a home, invest some money.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
John Tafaro Music:
I am on most of the major online services, twitter seems to work pretty well so far, and I am still experimenting.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
John Tafaro Music:
Right now my Jazz CD “ Neon Radio Jazz: ( Songs from the Neon Radio ) is available for pre-order on Google + and will be released on July 4, 2016. The “Jumbo” version is for sale now on Nimbit, it includes two additional songs not available on the Google + version. Possibly another YouTube video and CDBaby release later this year which might contain a song or 2 more. The complete project is 15 songs 58 min long, and incredible journey in my adult life. And lastly if it can be supported a live show and tour next year.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
John Tafaro Music:
Sweeping up somewhere
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
It’s tough, I try to juggle things as best I can
John Tafaro Music:
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
John Tafaro Music:
Releases forthcoming of Songs from the Neon Radio / Neon Radio Jazz, a journey in groove and relaxation.