New Interview with Falstaff

Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?

We crossed paths on Twitter, and I was invited to scope you folks out…we are always on the lookout for new ways to get the music out there, Exposed Vocals sounded interesting…I mean, “Exposed”? Who wouldnt want to take a second look at that?
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
I grew up in the small south Texas town of Alvin. We always had music around the house… back then, it was vinyl. When you held an LP in your hand, you were holding onto something special. Pop was a guitar picker/singer, so I had an interest in making music early on…four of us school boys had the great idea to put a rock band together, and the career choice was made. Pop wasnt very happy about it.

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

A name change was something I thought I’d never have to worry about…but soon enough, there were too many foxes in the hen house. Club owners were confusing other acts (namely pop country) with mine, and that just didnt sit too well with me. I was thinking about the most white trash beer ever…Falstaff or Schlitz? Schlitz means something naughty in German, so I went with Falstaff.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

Sharing is great, sharing is essential to put more ears on your music…more people hear it, more people dig it, more people support what you’re doing. Sure, I’ll give up a free download on occasion…music fans are awesome!

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?

As a start-up, you probably wont be playing Carnegie on your first few gigs…so be realistic about the clubs you are pursuing. Contact them in a polite and PRO manner, have a pro-looking EPK or one sheet ready to email…and when you score the gig, dont be mediocre on stage… absolutely RULE at what you are doing. The crowd will love you, the club owner will love you, and the calendar will start to fill up with those choice gigs.

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

We’re only human…dont be a wuss, rock your way through it.

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

Heck yeah! I have been touring for years, and feel blessed to be able to do it. I’ve got a whiskey barrel full of war stories that I could share with you guys and gals, but it will suffice to say (for now, at least) that being on the road with a cool band, playing new places, and meeting new people, is worth king’s ransom.

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

Inspiration comes from everywhere…love, hate, having, wanting…its there, ready to spill all over that blank page. I dont have a set routine, sometimes a lyric comes to mind and I have to grab the nearest napkin or gas receipt to jot it down. Sometimes, I’ll just be piddlin’ on guitar, and a melody or riff  pops up.

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

The website is  www.johnnyfalstaff.com   The online platforms that I use most are facebook, youtube, twitter, and reverbnation

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

Probably my own fragmented song ideas…some of them could use a little polish.

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

Are you offering? Seriously, I would buy a small place in the country, set up a studio, and record “Exile on Honky Tonk Street”…ready Mick?  (that would be Rolling Stones joke for all you young whippersnappers)

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

Still in the thought process… my old tape machine finally died. For simplicity’s sake, I am thinking about some kind of interface for my macbook. With today’s technology, it’s pretty easy to fly files around…but I will sure miss a crappy, old analog tape machine.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

Always looking for new outlets to get the music out there, it’s pretty amazing how fast trends tend to come and go. Myspace ruled the world for awhile. For now, Facebook and Twitter work quite well, but it will be interesting to see what comes up next.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

Off the top of my head, I would say Elvis – Aloha from Hawaii. It was the first satelite broadcast all over the planet…huuuuge, man! Elvis.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

I’m on tour in Europe, as we speak…hopefully things will slow down long enough to record a new album this year, I have a few ideas floating around in my noggin.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

When I am not making music, I am working with indie film stuff…out of the frying pan, and into the fire.

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?

I dont! But I do remember the first LP I ever got, it was Ted Nugent…my folks gave it to me for Christmas. I put it on and freaked. “Just What the Doctor Ordered” was the first rock guitar riff I ever learned, been hooked on guitar ever since.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

It’s not easy. When you are a DIY guy, it doesnt leave much spare time. How about that half million and a year off?

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?

More shows! I am in thought mode on putting together a BIG band for a BIG show, and documenting the whole thing. Also hope to squeeze in recording for a new album. Hope to see yall on the road…till then, keep your powder dry.