JASON DAVIS: INTERVIEW

December 4, 2016

BY NAOMI GRACE

Jason Davis has the much-envied title of president of ONE ONE 7, a diverse entertainment company that “strives to stay on the cutting edge of the ever-evolving music business.” ONE ONE 7 represents producers and songwriters on familiar titles such as Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me,” Justin Bieber’s “Mark My Words,” and U2’s “Magnificent.” Being an extremely gifted songwriter with an ambitious mindset, Jason has earned his reputation with major successes as an entrepreneur over the course of two decades. On the side, Jason also published an award winning memoir titled “Your Love Pursues.” His work is nothing shy of impressive and has not gone unnoticed by critics and the general public at large, having clearly poured his heart and soul into everything he creates.

As a young writer, may I begin by saying congratulations on the success of your projects and what an exciting job to work with the biggest musical talent of our generation! Did you ever think growing up that this might be your career?

JASON: Thank you so much. I never thought this would be my career, but this was what I dreamed of since I could walk. Growing up I always had a tremendous passion for music, I feel like it’s something God gave me and I didn’t have a choice. As a kid I dreamed about being on the biggest stage of the music industry.

It says on your profile that your company ONE ONE 7, has been running since 1999. How have you seen the company grow over time? What have been some of the significant milestones?

JASON: There has been a lot of growth over the past two decades. I would say what I'm most proud of is our ability to consistently spot and develop talent at a high level.

What main qualities and characteristics do you take note of when looking to discover new artists?

JASON: For an artist the number one thing I look for and the number one key to them having success is how good of a listener they are. Listening skills is definitely at the very top of my list, but I also want someone that has a true passion for what they are doing and has the right heart and intentions for the art that they want to create.

What are some distinctive differences that separate ONE ONE 7 from other music firms on the musical landscape today?

JASON: We’re definitely very focused on developing artists, we put a tremendous amount of time and care into all the products we work on. As a company we have a very strong passion to make music in excellence and not settle.

Are there any stories or incidents of how music has shaped you into the person you are today?

JASON: At one point as a teenager I was suicidal because of things that went on in my family. God used music to give me enough joy to get through those rough times as a kid which has lead me to be extremely passionate today about the quality of what is produced around me and how that can affect lives when nailed.

ELOAH JONES: INTERVIEW

November 23, 2016

BY ALISSA ARUNARSIRAKUL

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLUTCH 32 PUBLIC RELATIONS

A 17-year-old Texas native, Eloah Jones has recently released her first original single, SOLDIER. She began acting and singing at age 11, and the music industry eventually took notice of her perseverance and passion. Influenced by Selena Gomez, Lana Del Rey, and Banks, Jones has a powerful and captivating voice that will soon find itself on the playlists of millions of people worldwide. Her new single SOLDIER is now available on Apple Music, iTunes, and Spotify.

Congratulations on your first original single, SOLDIER! How did you feel when the song was released on Nov 1st? Were you nervous? Excited?

ELOAH: First, I want to thank you and Unclear Magazine for interviewing me. Your interest and support in my music means a great deal to me!

Yes, I was both! I was super excited for the song to be released. I put my heart and soul into it and I couldn’t wait for people to hear it. At the same time, I was a little nervous wondering how it would be received-how I would be received-and if listeners would enjoy it. So far so good!

The lyrics of SOLDIER are so inspiring and well thought out. Can you tell us a little about your writing process? How long does it usually take you to write a song?

ELOAH: Thank you. Well, writing has always been therapeutic to me. Timing on song writing varies. Lyrics come fairly fast and easy for me when the moment strikes. So, I have many lyrics and song ideas written. The beat progression and music takes a little longer. When I come up with something that I like musically, I go back to my lyrics and start working them in. For example, I had written most of the lyrics to Soldier in about 30 minutes. When I was collaborating on music ideas and found a progression I liked, I went back to the Soldier lyrics and everything just fell into place in about a day.

Out of all the many songs you’ve written, what is your favorite lyric? What does it mean to you?

ELOAH: Right now, it’s one of my lines in Soldier... “I thought you’d be my forever, but it turned into a war.” Soldier was built around that lyric. What I was saying there is to remember that everything happens for a reason and some things that may seem perfect are not. But, when going through tough times, it's easy to give in, but you can’t let those situations define you or defeat you. Because what defines you is not how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get back up. You have to be strong and fight…. like a “Soldier.”

What sparked your interest in acting and singing? When you began acting and singing at age 11, did you think they would become such a big part of your life six years later?

ELOAH: I've loved to sing and act ever since I was little, I would see Taylor Swift or someone on TV, and think, "That should be me!" Music and singing just seemed to come naturally for me. My friends and family were very supportive and gave me the confidence to put myself out there, so that's what I did! However, being a credited actress and getting to meet and work with the people in the music industry that I have thus far has been amazing. I never dreamed of getting this far but I am embracing that dream and l honestly feel this is just the beginning.

Selena Gomez, Lana Del Rey, and Banks are just some of your biggest influences. What about them do you admire? Their stage performances? Lyrics? Personalities?

ELOAH: I admire them a lot because they are themselves. They keep it real. I think their voices are very unique and their music is different, positive and fun. I am inspired to be that type of artist.

So many musicians from Texas have had arguably successful musical careers: Beyoncé Knowles, Nick Jonas, Demi Lovato, and Miranda Lambert—to name a few. What about you sets yourself, or your musical style, apart from them?

ELOAH: Wow that’s a tough one! It would be difficult to think about what may set me apart from great artists like you mentioned. However, I think what will set me apart generally is that my songs are real. I put my heart and soul into Soldier. I lived it and it means something to me. It’s something I want to share with others, and my medium to do that is music. I think my audience will be able to relate to that.

If you could pick one artist, living or deceased, to collaborate with, who would you choose?

ELOAH: Another tough one! So many great artists to choose from. Honestly, I think it would have to be Michael Jackson. He was undisputedly the “King of Pop.” He was an awesome songwriter, producer and performer, and someone we lost way too soon. It would have been absolutely amazing to work with him and I certainly envy those that got that chance.

Aside from SOLDIER, do you have any plans to release more new music? Are you currently working on your debut album?

ELOAH: I am working on several new singles right now. So, in the very near future you’ll be hearing more singles from me. A little longer term I am hopeful to get a full album in the works.

I sense that 2017 is going to be a huge year for you. What do you have planned for the upcoming year? What goals would you like to accomplish in 2017?

ELOAH: I sure feel like 2017 is going to be a huge year for me too, so I hope we're right on that! Along with writing new material and putting out some additional singles, I am also looking to have more live performances on the schedule. I would love to get picked up in support of a national act and so I'm working very hard on these goals of mine.

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OWEL: INTERVIEW

November 21, 2016

BY ALISSA ARUNARSIRAKUL

New Jersey-based indie band OWEL are comprised of Jay Sakong (lead vocals, guitar, keys), Seamus O’Connor (vocals, guitar, keys), Jane Park (vocals, violin, viola, keys), Nunzio Moudatsos (vocals, bass), and Ryan Vargas (percussion). The outfit formed in 2013 with the debut of their self-titled album, and they have been on a remarkable journey since. As a follow-up to Every Good Boy (EP, 2015), the band’s sophomore full-length album dear me was first streamed exclusively on Alternative Press on November 11th. One of the singles released off of dear me, “Too Young to Fall in Love” has garnered the band considerable attention from the indie scene. OWEL have recently embarked on a US tour supporting the Soil & the Sun, with their last show in early December. Their new album is now available for download on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music, Google Play, Apple Music, and Amazon MP3.

First off, congratulations on your second full-length album, dear me! You guys have been absolutely killing the music scene lately with the releases of singles off the new record like “Too Young to Fall in Love” and “Paper Hands.” What should fans expect of the new music? Does it have the same overall sound that we heard in Every Good Boy and of course, your self-titled album?

JAY SAKONG: Thank you very much. The songs on this record branch out a lot more. Not just in terms of sonics (loud and soft), but also in terms of instrumentation. Some of the songs go deeper into the synth and digital world, while others feel much more orchestral and organic.

A lot of music junkies, including myself, enjoy analyzing album cover artworks. The cover of dear me depicts almost a silhouette of a young child in a skirt walking through a hallway of some sort. The black-and-white artwork itself is very saturated in dark colors with blinding, bright light shining at the end of the hallway opposite to the perspective of the camera. Can you elaborate on the message behind the album cover? Is it a reference to lyrics on the record in any way?

JAY SAKONG: The little girl in the photograph is actually my niece. It was taken by my brother and I've always just really loved it. I like how it's hard to tell which way she's looking. Is she looking ahead while walking towards the light? Or is she looking back at the camera waiting for some sign that it's ok to keep walking?

Kevin Dye, lead singer of gates, who just so happens to be a co-producer of dear me, obviously had a lot to do with the production of the new record. He’s worked with bands like Bottomfeeder and Athletics—bands that are labeled hardcore and post-hardcore, respectively--in the past, and they sound arguably different than OWEL’s indie style. Tell us about what it was like working with Kevin, and why you chose him to engineer this album.

JAY SAKONG: I was pretty optimistic about Kevin's ability to make this great. We've all known him for a while and knew that we shared similar tastes. Initially he came on the project as an engineer, but with his great ideas and crazy work ethic, it became clear that he was doing more than just engineering.

A few well-known bands, like Yellowcard and Arcade Fire, have included violins in their repertoire. What made you guys decide to incorporate similar instruments, like the viola, in your music style? How does the composition process work with a violin added to the mix? Have there been any instances during production when a violin part that originally existed was removed from a song?

JAY SAKONG: I've always been a fan of songs that had string arrangements. There's just something timeless about the sound of it. It becomes interesting when you incorporate that into the writing, because it's almost like writing another vocal melody. Since it's mainly a melodic instrument it can feel like a duet sometimes.

You guys have recently embarked on a US tour supporting the Soil & the Sun. What has it been like so far touring with this band in particular? How is it different from previous tours you’ve been on?

JAY SAKONG: It's been such a pleasure to watch those guys perform night after night. There is so much for us to learn from them as musicians. Also they really couldn't be a nicer group of people.

The last stop of the tour with the Soil & the Sun is December 3rd in your home state of New Jersey. How has the band evolved since playing in your hometown for the first time? Does playing a venue in New Jersey have any special meaning to you? Do you have any special plans or announcements for your hometown show?

JAY SAKONG: Yeah, it's always a special treat for us to play our hometown. Because we're not playing to just our fans, but our family and friends get to be there as well. Our album release show was filled with our loved ones sending us off on the road. It seems fitting to be playing a show when we get back and have them welcome us home.

Going through your “Current favorites” Spotify playlist, I noticed that most of the included artists are relatively indie. (I love The Front Bottoms!) Are there any musical artists or bands that fans would be surprised to know that you listen to? Of your favorite artists, who would you most want to tour with?

JAY SAKONG: That list is compiled by everyone in the band. And since we all can have pretty different tastes, I can only speak for myself. It might surprising to know that my first ever musical group as a kid was Boyz II Men.

Since The Postal Service seems to be a recurring theme in your Spotify playlists, specifically what about them influences you? Ambiguous music style? Beautiful lyrics? Incredible live energy? Would you ever consider collaborating with them, whether it be on a song or even a tour?

JAY SAKONG: Of course it would be a dream to one day share the stage with them. I'm a huge fan of the production on that album. Jimmy Tamborello has such a brilliant way of using minimal lofi elements to create a intensity.

The remaining two months or so of 2016 will be very eventful and exciting for OWEL, with the release of your new album dear me and the US tour with the Soil & the Sun. What are your plans for 2017? Any goals you want to accomplish throughout the year?

JAY SAKONG: I'm always the worst with answering these types of questions, but I'm pretty sure we're looking to potentially do another tour in the spring. I know it's a cliche, but really we just want to get as many ears on this record as we can.

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VANISHING LIFE: INTERVIEW

November 17, 2016

BY KAT VISTI

Vanishing Life is an upcoming band that named themselves after a book by Jeff Hecht about mass extinction. Their debut album is called "Surveillance" which was just released on November 11th. In the future they plan on working on another album. They're also playing gigs at the Electric Ballroom in London and Astra in Berlin on their upcoming tour. We sat down with Autry Fulbright to hear about the new album and the band's love for performing!

How did you guys come up with the name “Vanishing Life?”

AUTRY: Vanishing Life was a book by author Jeff Hecht about mass extinctions. Given the subject matter of many of our songs, it seems appropriate. I considered using the name for a band when I first discovered the book about 15 years ago.

What other band or group would you compare yourselves to?

AUTRY: The Golden Girls.

Your debut album ‘Surveillance’ is set to release on November 11th. What’s your favorite track off the album?

AUTRY: I wouldn't have a favorite, but I like that we have a song named after the band.

What were your inspirations to get into music?

AUTRY: I don't think I had a choice.

What are your future plans for the band?

AUTRY: Touring whenever we can and writing another album.

What is your favorite part about performing?

AUTRY: Improvising. Feeding off the audience and the other players to make something powerful but unique in a live setting.

If you were to collaborate with any other group or artist, who would you want to collaborate with?

AUTRY: Maybe Scott Walker, Damien from Fucked Up, or RZA.

The band is going on an upcoming tour, which venue are you most excited to play in?

AUTRY: Probably the Electric Ballroom in London or Astra in Berlin. Walter and I were on tour together years ago and played there with both of our bands, it'll be nice to be playing in our new group as we revisit some of these venues.

Is there any track off the album that holds a certain significance to you? If so what is it?

AUTRY: Maybe Vanishing Life or People Running since those were the first songs that were written.

What message are you trying to send out to your fans through your music and this new album?

AUTRY: That we made an album and they should check it out, haha.

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DUSTIN HENSLEY: INTERVIEW

November 11, 2016

BY NAOMI GRACE

Dustin Hensley is a modern artist from Nashville, with a new sound fresh to the music landscape. His debut EP is a blend of synth and electronic feels with a contrast of country-esque story telling. His single ‘Nobody But You’ is being released on November 11th and his debut EP to follow. His authenticity in his music does not go unnoticed as he claims “no matter what, it’s me telling stories. My life and my truth” You can expect big things from Dustin and his journey as an artist.

What is the main inspiration behind your upcoming EP?

DUSTIN: I’m so excited about this new music. I feel like I’ve grown so much in the last couple of years, and this is a full representation of where I’m at in my life. With this EP we really went into it not thinking of where it would fit, but just creating what felt good to us. It was a blast to be a part of.

How would you describe your unique music style?

DUSTIN: I get that question a lot, and you’d think I’d had a definitive answer on that. I’m a lot of things. I’m influenced by a lot of different styles and music, and I think people will see that. I’m a total product of the “iPOD generation.” At any given time my top 3 favorite songs are completely different from each other. But that’s whats so great about music- as long as it makes me feel something, I’m going to dig it. But to try and answer your question, I would describe it as a mix of R&B and country. Both of those genres have influenced me the most, so I definitely take bits and pieces from both of those. All the way from both George’s to Waylon, to Usher and Chris Brown, and everything in between. Anything I do is going to be inherently country, because that’s how I was raised and that’s who I am. Especially with the theory and make-up of the songs. They came to together in a very “country” way. And they tell stories that everyone can relate to in some way or another.

What is your idea behind mixing genres into one unique sound?

DUSTIN: I’m a walking contradiction. My favorite songs are all across the map and they span from straight up bluegrass to hardcore rap, back to pop, then up to gospel, and down around to folk. Sooner or later you get to country and classic rock. This past summer I was given some advice that ultimately changed my entire way of thinking. I was told to “Go have fun. You’re not having any fun. Don’t go and write a pop song, don’t go and write a country song- just have fun. Do what feels right,” and that’s what we did. This EP is all over the place, but I’m all over the place. I feel like this music is a true reflection of me. It almost doesn’t make sense on paper- but it works.

Your preference: recording process or song writing process?

DUSTIN: This is Nashville. I’m supposed to say something like “writing is first and foremost, blah blah blah.. haha.” But I love being in the studio and recording. Don’t get me wrong, I love writing and I love that you walk into a room (most of the time with people you’ve never met) and then a couple hours later you come out with something that wasn’t there before. There’s something really beautiful in that. Creating something out of nothing. But you get that same thing with recording. I mean, growing up I’ve always dreamed of being on the radio and being an artist. Recording is how that happens. It’s my favorite thing. Besides Lunchables. Lunchables are everything.

What is the funniest thing you’ve done to impress a girl?

DUSTIN: My whole track record with women has been laughable. I don’t know that I’ve ever done a singular thing to try and impress anyone, but it’s been a train wreck all the way around haha. Maybe I should start trying? haha. Either way I get songs out of it, so it’s a win.

Who would you most want to have a musical love child with?

DUSTIN: Can I get a little rowdy? Can I jump in somewhere with Lee Ann Womack and Ciara and see what happens? haha. I’ve always been a huge fan of the Avett Brothers. I would love to do something with them. They are who really got me into songwriting. There is something so pure about what they do.

Have you played in any bands prior to branching off as a solo artist?

DUSTIN: Yeah, two of them since I’ve been in Nashville. They obviously didn’t work out, but I learned so much from those experiences and everyone involved. The last band I was in, I got two best friends out of it so I can’t be upset about it ending. ’Twas what it ’twas. I’m sure we’ll end up doing something later on though.

What is something about yourself that we don’t see evidently through your music?

DUSTIN: Oh wow. Uh, I feel like I’m an open book for the most part. I’ve always been a little left of center and quirky in a way. But I love Disney movies haha. I don’t know that you’d know that automatically by listening to my music. Fox and The Hound and The Lion king are the best ever. And I’ll fight anyone who says otherwise.

On your website you discuss the importance of having fun with what you do - what do you find is the most fun in your career as a musician?

DUSTIN: The fact that I get to make music at all is an amazing gift, and I know that I often take that for granted sometimes. It’s easy to get caught up in the “mess” of all of it, you know? The business side of it can be taxing, but at the end of the day it’s the greatest job in the world. I love when I get to work with my friends. Thankfully, my best friends in town (who are also in music), we’d be friends if music wasn’t even a factor. They’re just amazing people to be around. So whenever I get to work with them is awesome. We’re just a bunch of grown up kids that get to make up words for a living. It doesn’t get better than that.

What can listeners expect from your upcoming EP?

DUSTIN: Well, I’d really love it if people didn’t hate it haha. That’s goal number one. But I want these songs to be played anywhere and everywhere. Whether you need something to listen to while you’re getting ready to go out, or just driving in your car, or cleaning the dishes. I want someone to listen and say “Oh my God. That’s me. I’m going through that. Or I’ve went through that. This was written to me.” That’s what I want. I think the folks who have been with me since the beginning can expect a growth from me. Vocally and lyrically. We definitely experimented with the production and instrumentation, but I think those who have been with me will love it, and hopefully I’ll get some new followers along the way.

What is your biggest aspiration as an artist?

DUSTIN: I’ve got a couple. Ready? I worship Kelly Ripa and I want to co-host, and sing on the show on the same day. I wanna do a bluegrass Christmas record and have a duet with Lee Ann Womack. I wouldn’t hate being some sort of character in the next movie Dolly Parton makes. And be in a Muppet Movie.

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