San Francisco Voice

An interview with Philasonic needs no introduction because he’s able to tell it better than I can! Check out his MySpace for even more information.

What are the basics of your musical history?

I remember singing along to Elvis and Rolling Stones 45s when I was about 5 years old, on my Fisher Price record player. I began writing songs in the fifth grade, even though I couldn’t really play an instruments. In the 70’s and 80’s radio played a wide variety of music, from soul, funk, R&B, disco, synth pop, acid rock, light rock, progressive rock, new wave, second wave ska, alternative, heavy metal, pop punk etc. I listened to everything from Devo to AC/DC to Skynyrd to LedZep to the Police to Earth Wind and Fire to KC and the Sunshine Band to Steve Miller to Bob Marley to the Eagles to Oingo Boingo, to the Cure, to the Ramones, to TSOL, and the list goes on and on.

Just before I turned 19 I started playing acoustic guitar to help with songwriting, and got my first acoustic guitar from my girlfriend (now wife) for my birthday. I began to read books, watch videos, and observe many guitarists to pick up technique. Never had any formal lessons, but I learned basic music theory and it helped me tremendously.

I played in bands from metal and punk to classic and pop rock and top 40 cover bands, many of which never played a gig or even had a name. Some experimental and jam band situations to, and those were quite fun and educational. The first moderately successful band I started was “Vision”, a three piece rock band, and we recorded a six song demo of my songs. We played a range of rock covers from the 50’s through the 90’s. Eventually I grew bored with doing only rock music and developed wanderlust for the other styles of my musical interest and influence I had been ignoring. Then I took some time to explore other music, decidedly avoiding rock music. I played briefly in a Funk Groove band with four part vocal harmonies. That excited me. I love vocal harmonies. I spent a great deal of time re-inventing myself, writing new songs, trying to find the right people to work with, and longing for something different than what I’d already done.

I started another band “Groove Elastic”, which began playing quite a few of my new original songs, but by the end was only playing 2 of them. Four piece band with three part vocal harmonies, and classic rock, pop rock, funk, and reggae. I realized it wasn’t that different from Vision in many ways.I still wanted something different, so I went back to the drawing board. During this time I was married to my lovely wife, had beautiful twins, and worked in my home studio recording “Demonstration”. I’ve recently hooked up with drummer and recording artist Sheb Schwae and we’re putting together a reggae band which will play original music and some covers, and blend a little bit of funky soul grooves in.

How does your work as a solo artist differ from the work that you’ve done in bands?

Well, work I’ve done in bands has always had to be a balancing act. Kind of governed by the lowest common denominator. I’ve always liked Reggae and island music, as well as funk, soul, disco and upbeat dance pop music. But you work with what you have, and a lot of musicians tend to lean towards rock of some sort, especially when they first start playing. So the bands I’ve been in, have tended to always have a strong rock tendency, and so I have sort of ignored the other parts of my musical interests.

As a solo artist, I’ve been able to see my vision through and begin to explore other styles of music that I want to play. It has been very fulfilling in that respect. I’ve never wanted to be a solo artist, I always wanted a tight knit band, so I avoided it for a long time. Now I’m starting to see many benefits since I’ve decided to embrace the solo artist status. I may continue as a solo recording artist and have a band for live performances.

If you had to sum up your sound, what would you say?

Well my sound is still evolving, and may always be that way. But currently I guess I would sum it up as Reggae with Funky Soul grooves. A variety ranging from thought provoking and socially conscious lyrics to fun and playful songs, all with a healthy dose of pop sensibility and catchy hooks.

Do you have a favorite SF venue?

I’ve always liked the Fillmore, and the Warfield too. Beale St Bar & Grill and Pier 23 Cafe and The Independent seem to support reggae music. This is a topic I could stand to learn more about. I don’t live in SF so I don’t get to explore the nightlife well enough.

Where can you be found when you come to spend time in the city?

Ok, I’m kind of a lame tourist, but I like Pier 39 and the surrounding neighborhood. Golden Gate park is cool. I don’t know if Angel Island counts, but there is some great hiking there. I could stand to learn about great places in SF. I’m open to suggestions. I live out of the area and I’m not spending a lot of time in the city these days. I’m thoroughly enjoying fatherhood, but have not been making time for day trips around the bay area.

Where do you want to be (musically) a year from now?

I would like to have my new reggae album completed, and working on my next recording project, a funk album. I’d also like to have a gigging band with tight sound, and working with various guest artists. Perhaps some collaboration work with some of the local bands and artists whom I respect. I have very high hopes for this new project with Sheb Schwae. I hope to be playing festivals and working good mid size venues and to have a steadily growing fan-base and increasing awareness of the music. Potentially a collaboration CD with Schwae.

If there was anything that you could make sure your fans knew, what would it be?

I’m a dreamer, an idealist, and a free thinker, and a wanderer on the path to enlightenment. I tend to question everything, including myself. I am a big fan and proponent of peace and diplomacy, and for trying to set a good example for others when it comes to acceptance, forgiveness, understanding, social issues, and the desire to learn and educate one’s self.

Now for the shameless self promotion:

“Demonstration” is available for only $6.00 You can find more info at www.elasticgroove.com I have a great interest in finding out what people want. I love getting feedback, critique, and connecting with fans and listeners of music. I encourage people to contact me. I make music to explore my own creativity and for self expression, but it means so much more when someone else is also enjoying it. One important concept of my project is to have inexpensive CDs available. I have found from many discussions that the reason people download and don’t buy albums anymore is that the content isn’t always that great, and the CD is expensive. So if they only like one song, they don’t want to spend $15 or $20. I want to have 50 cent downloads and $5 or $6 dollar CDs. I welcome comments from any music listener to fanclub@elasticgroove.com.

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