Exposed Vocals Interviews The Scenic Sound

Link to purchase:

http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1091886317?ls=1&app=itunes

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

The Scenic Sound: Like most people, I grew up listening to music all the time. Whether it was the radio in the car, music videos on TV, Church, or music classes at school, I always heard others doing things musically and thought I could do those same things.

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

TSS: I like the idea that a sound has an imagery element to it; a sound you could see. While music is easy to hear, many musicians and listeners describe being able to see sounds as shapes, colours, etc. I like that. I also like the idea of people being able to see themselves in the songs I sing – the songs being related to their life or situations.

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

TSS: thescenicsound.com/freemusic I think that those who are determined to find free music (legal or not), will find it. I also believe those who realize the value in supporting the artists they connect with are the biggest difference maker in an artist’s career. Thanks to those who find ways to support artists, whether through financial or social support.

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?

TSS: Invest in fully produced tracks before anything else. The music all starts with a great collection of songs, but there is some debate about what to do after you write them. “Do we work with someone who will record 10 songs for $1000 or someone who will record 1 song for $1000?” In my experience, I have always had more success with one fully-produced track than 10 mediocre tracks. Its a sign that you believe in the song enough – and a producer does as well – so listeners give it a lot more credibility.

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

TSS: Different artists have different expectations for their performances than others. I have always believed in planning and rehearsal. Typically, we know what we are doing, where we are going to be and what’s going on from the minute we walk out from backstage to the minute we step off. We plan for mistakes to happen and create strategies to get back on track. Things happen. This is art, people expect you to be humans.

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

TSS: After I put out the first album, we performed in approximately 130 high schools across Canada (mostly eastern). Tour stories are an everyday-experience. Whether it is getting the bus stuck on someone’s yard, losing my voice before the final show of tour or the antics that happen during a 13 hour bus ride, it all creates fond memories. Look through my Instagram account to find a video of someone getting hit in the face with a banana peel while he was trying to sleep on the bus.

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

TSS: Inspiration is everywhere. From the interactions with others, to music that you hear that inspires you, to a story you heard or a feeling you have; inspiration comes in a million forms and you do not always know when it is going to happen. Songwriting for me starts with a vocal hook, something catchy that I feel others will want to sing. The rest of the song is formed from it.

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

http://www.thescenicsound.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thescenicsound/

https://www.youtube.com/user/TheScenicSound/videos

https://www.facebook.com/thescenicsound

https://twitter.com/TheScenicSound

http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1091886317?ls=1&app=itunes

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

TSS: I have never really been too embarrassed to admit my guilty pleasures. I like pop music, anything people can sing along to. I don’t know, someone out there created the music I listen to, so I don’t want to call anyones work embarrassing. Right?

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

TSS: I would love to get into a space that I could set up some drums and keep a bunch of amps and cabs, a place I felt inspired. The first chunk of money would go towards creating that space. Next, I would spend a lot of time working with other writers and producing new tracks. I would also find a way to introduce my guitar player Kevin to his favourite band of all times, RUSH.

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

TSS: I released my new album on March 21, and that same day, I recorded the first song for my next album. I have a few songwriting sessions booked over the next month, and would like to see some new music finding its way to iTunes by the summer.

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

TSS: Nothing beats live performances. After that, social media and personal interactions. I have a few tricks up my sleeve over the next few months I am excited to try.

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

TSS: Alive: Ben Rector, The Rocket Summer, Switchfoot, or anyone who writes melodic music with integrity and creativity.

Dead: Michael Jackson or Queen, just so I could say I saw them live!

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

TSS: I have a remix coming out in a few weeks (no one knew that yet), and plenty of songwriting opportunities planned to help get ready for more music.

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

TSS: I will always make music. I didn’t want to be in a band because it was the cool thing to do, or because I love spending ridiculous amounts of money on gear. I wanted to be in a band or be a musician because that’s all i know how to be in life.

When I am not travelling, I am a graphic designer and brand developer.

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

TSS: New Found Glory – self-titled album. I found it for $5 in a second-hand store only a few days after it was released. I had bought other music before, but this was the first album that started moving the direction towards pop rock, punk rock. I can still sing harmonies to every line of that album.

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

TSS: That is a battle I struggle with everyday. There are a lot of distractions and people who make plans for your life whether you want them or not. Being dedicated to a schedule helps, and making expectations clear with the other people in your life that you need time for music makes a big difference.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?

TSS: New music, some new ways of getting involved in the project and perhaps another side-project… 😉