August 2008's Featured Artist:Christian Provensen and Fistful of Leaves
This month I would like to introduce you guys to someone to really watch out for, Fistful Of Leaves! I like several things about the band. First of all, the vocals are incredible. Second, the guitar work is reminiscent of Lindsey Buckingham. And finally, they are really funny! Humor is something we should all add more of to our sets, and our lives. There is no reason we should be taking ourselves seriously. Here is an interview with Christian Provensen:
Our readers want to know who Christian Provensen and Fistful of Leaves are, how you came to write these wonderful songs. Tell us, what inspired you to write your very first song?
We're a group of Super Heroes from the planet Zolthar...unfortunately Christian (me) doesn't have any powers...He's more like Batman, you know? Most songs just come to me immediately. I will be driving, getting ready to sleep, taking a shower, ect...and a melody will come into my head. This happens all the time but I rarely have the means to record the melodies before I forget them. The best songs come when I'm emotionally charged...up or down. I was inspired to write my very first song about a girl at summer camp...Sarah B. Wrote it with homeboy Murrbaby...shout out to Bluff Lake, yo!!! All my songs sound like summer camp...so amateur! Yet, so intimate and who doesn't like summer camp???
When you were a teenager and really learning about music, who was the first band that you ever bought a ticket to go see? Describe that concert. How did you see yourself fitting into the musical picture?
Teenager? I was always just like a 5 year old that got bigger. Still am, but not as big as I'd like to be. The first band I saw was Jackson Browne at the Santa Barbara Bowl when I was like, 8, and I didn't buy a ticket, me and mom snuck in. I rarely bought tickets (or anything else for that matter as I was broke) because I would just sneak into everything or get jobs at venues so I could see free shows. I always knew I wanted to be up on stage singing and playing guitar. Too bad I'm such an average guitar player...but Gronsky, The Red Mountain and main Guitar Wizard for FFOL is the Maaaan! I wanted to play that Lightning Bolt shaped guitar the guy from Def Leppard used to play in the Photograph video...yeah...tiiiiight.
Sometimes to write a really beautiful song, one that captures the very heart of the listener, the songwriter has to go through a very painful experience. What song that you have written, falls into this category. (include song lyrics with meanings.)
Oh that would definitely be "The Train". It was a rough time in my life. I was working at a commodities brokerage (never do that, by the way...it's a thankless job) 13 hours per day making no money, no time to make music, my friends were established and making $20k/month. I was like, "What the hell is wrong with me? Why am I doing this? Ripping people off and repressing every once of my creativity? Being looked down upon because I don't have 20" rims on a new Mercedes...fuck this..." I thought to myself, "This is it, isn't it? I've missed out on what I've always dreamed of doing and I'm stuck in this shitty job in the suburbs trying to fit in with the Brand Name Pretty People" So I'm sitting at my cubicle looking out at a parking lot filled with German automobiles and my pen starts writing on my paper. There wasn't much I could do about it...my mind and body were functioning perfectly but out of my control, like a poltergeist had taken over. Here's what came out:
I think this train is passing me by
I listen to the smoke-stack fade away
I wonder if the future's gonna bring it around again, knowing it's a one way ride
I think this train is passing me by
The liquid of age drowned out the steam of youth
The tracks replaced by the motor way
A regular road is settled for
"Help me get back on track!" My inner voice is shouting
The waste I've made of life is something I'll get out of
Don't let this train pass me by
Don't let this train pass me
I think this train is passing me by
I watch it recede as I stand to the side
It chugs away fast in a steady line
I stand here numb as it leaves me behind
I think this train is passing me by
Sweet engine song was a lullaby
Taking me to all of the places I've dreamt of
I think this train is passing me by
I don't remember how it got away
It was so delicious holding my ticket
"Help me get back on track!" My inner voice is shouting
The waste I've made of life is something I'll get out of
Don't let this train pass me by
Don't let this train pass me
So those are the lyrics, but writing them invigorated me! I quit the job and started working on music again. It showed me that I couldn't let myself be a corporate guy, that's not for me. I had to play and write music in order to keep myself healthy, wealthy, and wise.
Someone like yourself, who has worked hard to master your craft, has an ultimate goal. What is your ultimate goal? What would like to accomplish with your music?
To be in the Ultimate Fighting Championship at 155lbs.
And not die...
You have amazing stage presence. You always make your audience laugh and have a good time. For the young musicians reading this article, what is your secret to creating this type of flow with the audience?
You just have to be yourself and feed off the energy. Be personable and appreciative, the people in the audience are most precious things in the world...make 'em feel like it.
I always ask this question: Think about the first song you ever wrote. Now think about the most recent song that you have written. Describe the identifiable levels of growth as a writer between them.
Sarah B to Amnesia. Hmmm... Sarah B was a cool song. I think I'm getting worse at writing tunes. 'Course, I had help with that first song since I couldn't play guitar when I was 12.
But seriously, it's the same as life itself...the longer you live, the more you know (unless you've completely ruined your brain with head banging, alcohol abuse, and collegiate level partying) about life. If you can express that knowledge and emotion through music and you get better at it (practice makes perfect!) your songs will get better.
Tell us all about your band members. List their names and describe what it is like playing with them.
My members...sounds so dirty! As if I have more than one...
Anyways, here we go!
Gronsky - He's the super-dope show. Giant, or at least rather large, red-headed dude. He is in total denial about being a hippie but I've got him in a customized 12 step program to deal with it. Great guitar-player, excellent singer, and writes awesome notes. He played football, now he plays guitar. He's an integral part of the band and the sound. Love that guy...
Scotty - Successful, great brain, solid bass-player. I haven't had the chance to really hang out with Scotty too much beyond band practice. He has a good paying job, a kid, and a real life. However, I liked him right when I met him and think he's a great fit for the band. I look forward to developing his natural abilities into something truly incredible.
Justin Carter - Insane percussionist/drummer. This guy can jump onstage and play anything with anyone. He's got an instinctive ability tempered by a lot of training and practice. He plays a Cajon which is a big wooden box...you all wish you could whack box like him! Super mellow and easy to get along with.
I'm not sure if I want to use a full drum kit. Until we get playing in bigger rooms I don't want to spoil the vibe that the Cajon brings.
We're sort of in a rotation of female singers so since I don't know who is the super solid fifth team member...we'll have to wait to see who cuts the mustard.
How did you all meet?
I met Gronsky when we were mortgage Loan Officers, Scotty has known Gronsky since High School, I met Justin when we were mortgage Account Executives...we could tell you everything you need to know about playing instruments, writing songs, booking gigs, recording, and buying a house!
What was the most fun you have ever had at a gig?
With this band? At an AA meeting/Benefit in San Diego. Those people were so cool and excited! They can party!!! And you know when sober people tell you that you're good...they mean business.
Where can San Diego fan come see you play?
We're aiming for festivals, benefits, and places like Humphrey's, Belly Up, House of Blues, and 4th and B. We want to get the opportunity to open up for National acts and play large exposure gigs. We believe we have the chops. We're like Jack Johnson giving birth to Chris Cornell at Otis Redding's house on a warm spring day.
For the other great musicians who would like to book shows with you in LA and Orange County, how can they get in touch with you?
Through our Myspace so we can hear 'em!
What is your website and Myspace?
www.myspace.com/voicevoicevoice
How can we buy your CD's? Downloads?
You can buy downloads through the myspace. We are planning on releasing a CD sometime around Labor Day.
What advice do you have for aspiring musicians and songwriters?
Never ever stop playing or writing. Don't depend on anyone but yourself. Have fun with your music and be your own boss!
Sandi
Cover Band Review
There is no Cover Band Review This Month:
Look for a new cover band review in the September issue!
Sandi Shaner
Design