Interview with Chillout/Lounge artist: JEFF WOODALL
Published on 3/30/2006
By JEFF WOODALL
Q. At what age did you realize you wanted to become a music artist and why?
I was about 14, I managed to get a high score in a musical tone test at school and I was told I had a 'good ear for music' ...... so I took up drumming lessons!!
I would have taken up the Guitar then but music lessons were perceived as boring and classical, which didn't appeal to me.
So when I was16 I bought my first guitar and taught myself, then bought a keyboard and linked it to my Atari ST 1040!! using Cubase, that's when I started to realise I could write and produce my own stuff.
Q. Most music artists have that special someone or thing that influenced their decision to do music. Did anyone or something in your life play a major role in influencing you to go into the music business?
My love for music really. The emotional attachment that music seems to create, certain songs just grab you that way. Music affects everyone one way or the other.
Q. In terms of the music, which major artist(s) influenced your style and why?
So many really, but I suppose when I was young I listened to early Genesis stuff and Pink Floyd, which helped me understand there are no rules to what you want to do in music.
Then as I grew up I began to expand my 'ear ' a bit and listened to different genres from Chart stuff to indie bands and alternative music.
But I suppose more recently I have been influenced by Brian Eno, Enigma, Chicane, Moby, I like all sorts of stuff....Coldplay are a great band, along with Keane and I really like the new album by Doves.
All of those mixed up into one .........hmmmm........maybe you can tell me if it shows in my music??!!
Q. With so many independent artists trying to make it, what makes you stand out from the competition?
Well I'm doing what comes to me naturally really, rather than follow a trend, so it's actually quite difficult to say what genre I fit into but I would like my music to be attached to a scene in a film or an advert on TV because that's seem to be the type of music I do.
Q. Music industry professionals are quick to say that being an artist means to gracefully fit a marketable niche in the industry. If you were offered an opportunity that asked you to be something you are not, would you do it to get your foot in the door?
Hmmm, well that depends on whether I think I could pull it off I suppose! I would certainly seriously consider it as long as it wasn't rap
Q. Making music is one thing, selling it is another. What types of strategies do you use in promoting your artistic work and getting it heard by the proper professionals?
I have a publisher who represents me to major companies around the world, some of which produce compliation albums and select certain tracks to go on them. I also have a website: http://www.realmusik.co.uk which I promote sample mp3's of my tracks and I have weblinks enabling people to listen and buy my albums.
I also send tracks to music magazines for review purposes and I have had some published in the past with good reviews .... so that's quite good for your confidence!
Q. In regards to wheeling and dealing, how important do you feel business knowledge is to making it in an industry filled with much heartache?
Well personally I think it's vital, because there are so many dodgy characters who promise the earth and produce didley squat!!
If you have a basic knowledge of what to expect then it can stop you from making snap decisions just because you've had some interest from someone in the industry. It can be really exciting and that can cloud your judgement.
Q. Let's fast forward to 5 years from now. What advice would you offer to struggling independent artists?
Never, never give up, music is like art, it's about taste so if one person hates it another may love it! Send your stuff to people who can give you independent opinions about your music and take their criticism constructively. It's a never ending learning curve. Most of all enjoy what you do!
Q. Most successful artists are involved in charitable organizations that stand for a cause that hits close to home. In that regard, once you reach success, what charitable cause(s) would you like to be involved in and why?
Cancer research, my sister had a Brain tumor two years ago, although it was benign and she recovered from having it removed, she then developed bowel cancer the next year and had to have that removed, she's now fully recovered and in remarkably good health, one day I would like to have a successful song dedicated to her.
Well, we thank you for taking the time to interview with us and certainly wish you the best in your music career endeavors. There you have it ladies and gentlemen, an inside look into the mind of an independent artist struggling to bring their hard work to fruition in an industry where perseverance and thick skin means survival. No one said it would be easy.
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