JD Eicher: This Heart (exclusive interview!) Part 2

JD Eicher – The Youngstown, Ohio native is going solo from his long time and 

successful band; “JD Eicher & the Goodnights.” This time JD is looking to in his first brand new album; “The Middle Distance” to branch out his singer/songwriter experience through his story telling from start to finish. JD Eicher is now having the time to breath and have success be on his own terms. From his successful group’s three album’s “The Shape of Things,” “Shifting,” & “Into Place” the entire band gelled so well and got fame from being national touring opening acts for; Train, Kelly Clarkson, Coldplay, Maroon 5, Rod Stewart, Pete Yorn and Dave Matthews Band. People took note of the band and singles such as; “Aaron” and “I’d Like to Get to Know You.” 

 

 JD is truly a gifted musician and people took note of him from the start. It is only fitting that  he now tries as many other artists have done in the past to test the waters of a solo artist. “The Middle Distance” is an album which is something pure and simply JD Eicher’s written music that will bring one to delight and as it has myself become a devoted fan.

Enjoy the second installment of JD Eicher's interview with "The Beat!" that was so enjoyable we never wanted it to end!

So, that big day came (that dreaded day), when you had to have “the talk” with your fellow band members, the Goodnights, how did that go for all of you?

Well, thankfully, most of them had already had "the talk," so it ended up just being a basic refresher of the sexual organs.

Just kidding. :-) I'm guessing you're referring to the name change? Believe it or not, the idea was first brought up by one of the other band members. We all had come to feel like "JD Eicher & the Goodnights" was a bit unwieldy, and it had created a lot of confusion online and with show promotions, since I often played solo. Since this new album was so personal anyway, this just seemed like the natural moment to simplify. So, even though I'm probably still an egomaniac, I can distance myself a little in this situation :-) The band is still together and creatively involved.

What is your favorite song on your new album, “The Middle Distance?”

I'm probably most proud of "Not Everybody Runs." It may be my favorite of all my songs. At least at the moment. But there's a reason for each one, so they all have substance for me.

With that being said, what do you think was your defining album, track and performance that

you along with the Goodnights, when you knew all stars were aligning and it was pure perfection?

Hmm. Tough one. The Middle Distance is my favorite record I've made. But the prior three albums fit together as a trilogy, and that is my favorite project I've done (and was the most important for my development as a songwriter).

As far a performance perfection, I don't think it exists. If it does, we're still working toward it. I think the space between where you are and where you want to be is the most inspiring thing. We're always trying to improve.

What else can we look forward to in the upcoming months (such as singles, music videos, venues, collaborations etc)?

In addition to the Nicholas Sparks soundtrack EP (which will be available in September), we'll be on the road a lot over the next few months. We're playing some festivals, colleges, venues, and house concerts and looking forward to it! www.jdeicher.com is the place for all that info.

Now, I would like to do a quick fun game with you; “The First Word!” It is simple, I say something and you tell me the very first thing that comes to your mind (it can be a word or sentence).
    ·         JD Eicher WEIRDO
    ·         Rock Ridge Music (where JD recorded his solo album) SOLID CREW
    ·         The Shape of Things SHIFTING INTO PLACE
    ·         The Goodnights GOOD DUDES
    ·         James Taylor TALENT
    ·         The Eagles TWANG
    ·         Your song “Aaron” RESTLESSNESS
    ·         Your album "The Middle Distance" LOTS OF TIME IN MY BASEMENT
    ·         Favorite party song TIPSY
    ·         Favorite song to wake-up to "DREAMGIRL" (DMB)
    ·         A song that inspires you "THE OBVIOUS CHILD" (PAUL SIMON)
    ·         The most underrated singer MATTHEW GOOD
    ·         Fame BITTERSWEET
    ·         Success MINDSET
    ·         Most romantic song "WONDERFUL TONIGHT" (CLAPTON)
    ·         A singer you would love to collaborate with PAUL SIMON
    ·         A song that describes you "THE OBVIOUS CHILD" (PAUL SIMON)
    ·         Most overrated song WHAT'S TOPPING THE CHARTS RIGHT NOW?
    ·         Favorite word to say YES
    ·         Favorite soundtrack JURASSIC PARK

Ok, now that was fun! Let’s finish the interview with a couple more questions, quick ones I promise!

There must be a dream performance for you; a venue, cover song, a fellow artist’s collaboration with you…what would this look life for you?

I think it'd be awesome to have a side project band with some of my musician friends some day. 

What can we look forward to for your next album?

No idea yet, haha!

What is the one item you must always have in your refrigerator?

Hummus.

A typical day for JD Eicher; walk us through it.

1. Wake up.
2. Cocaine.
3. Limo ride to the mall.
4. Cocaine.
5. Downtime.
6. Food.
7. Cocaine.
8. Rock show.
9. Cocaine.
10. Downtime.
11. Bed.

Just kidding about the downtime. :-) But in all seriousness, it varies a lot. Because of the constant travel with this job, you can't really get into a routine. I just do my best to always work on some music and some business and some life every day. Sometimes it pans out and sometimes I only get to one or two of those things.

Is there one particular item that you still have and truly want to conquer?

Hmm I'd like to spend more time writing prose. It has fallen to the wayside, and I'd like to get back into it. 

In your own words, what is the best way to describe your music?

Lately I default to "Singer-songwriter" and/or "Melodic rock."

Your voice always sounds so strong and crisp, how do you take care of it?

Wow, thanks! I don't always feel that way, but I'm glad you do. :-)

Most singers have a routine. I've tried almost everything - the oils, the vaporizers, etc. -, but I think the best combination for me is just being properly warmed up, rested, and hydrated.

What is the one statement or word that you would love to attain for your fans to state after listening and/or seeing you live in concert?

"I can't wait to go to the next one."

(PHOTO CREDITS: David Bean)

JD Eicher's Official Sites:

Official website:  http://jdeicher.com/

Twitter:      https://twitter.com/jdeicher

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/jdeicher

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jdeicher/

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/jdeicher

Itunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-middle-distance/id1097239745

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Michael Longoria: Broadway Brick By Brick!

Michael Longoria - is known for being part of the original cast of; Jersey Boys, on Broadway. Michael is staying very busy these days from being part of the hugely successful group; Midtown Men and now doing his first solo album; Broadway Brick By Brick along with touring for it.

For his first solo album he worked with very noteworthy Grammy Award winning professionals such as Jeffrey Lesser for his producer. The album is a lovely look at Michael's passion of song and his musical journey thus far. Tracks on Michael's album include; Home, Maria, The Impossible Dream, As If We Never Said Goodbye, Being Alive, Thank You For The Music, & Over The Rainbow.

Being a fan of Broadway along with it's best scores and singers this is an album that will be one enjoyable ride.

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Getting Up Close to Artist Darren Cinque!

Darren Cinque - is a long time featured artist here at "The Beat!" With that being said he is always a pleasure to work with and is a consummate performer recording songs that are not simply catchy but are with meaning. Simply, we here are huge supporters of everything Darren Cinque!  

 

 It only made sense when releasing a brand new feature entitled; "Getting Up Close To..." that Darren would be the artist we would premiere it with. This is a very fresh take where opposed to a lengthy series of questions in reference to albums, touring etc. we are asking questions to really get to us and you as the readers to know your artists on more of a personal level. To sum it up; a feature that only asks a couple of questions that are fun on a personal level rather than a focus on the individuals career. Now, enjoy our first in the series with the global recording artist and friend of ours Darren Cinque!

•  What have you learned today? Have a break from working and have some fun!!

 

• Favourite track of all time? "Original Sin" by INXS

 

• It's 3am and the party is winding down, what track do you play to get everyone going again? Something funky - "Get Lucky" by Daft Punk 

 

• Who are your top 3 acts right now? Foals from Oxford UK, Borns from Los Angeles USA, and Glass Animals from Oxford UK  

• If you couldn't work in music, what would you be doing instead? Crying myself asleep

 

• What was the last book you read? "Enchanting David Bowie" by Toija Cinque, Christopher Moore, Sean Redmond

 

• Favourite thing on TV? Old reruns of Happy Days and Family Ties with Michael J. Fox

 

• Are you afraid of anything? Waking up in the morning not knowing which country I'm in

 

• Tell us something people don't know about you...I'm a health freak - I love all natural organic foods. 

• What are you doing tomorrow? Trying out my new piano; playing, singing and writing!! 

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JD Eicher: This Heart (exclusive interview!) Part 1

JD Eicher – The Youngstown, Ohio native is going solo from his long time and 

successful band; “JD Eicher & the Goodnights.” This time JD is looking to in his first brand new album; “The Middle Distance” to branch out his singer/songwriter experience through his story telling from start to finish. JD Eicher is now having the time to breath and have success be on his own terms. From his successful group’s three album’s “The Shape of Things,” “Shifting,” & “Into Place” the entire band gelled so well and got fame from being national touring opening acts for; Train, Kelly Clarkson, Coldplay, Maroon 5, Rod Stewart, Pete Yorn and Dave Matthews Band. People took note of the band and singles such as; “Aaron” and “I’d Like to Get to Know You.” 

 

 JD is truly a gifted musician and people took note of him from the start. It is only fitting that  he now tries as many other artists have done in the past to test the waters of a solo artist. “The Middle Distance” is an album which is something pure and simply JD Eicher’s written music that will bring one to delight and as it has myself become a devoted fan.
 

 

JD, I want to start this interview saying how great it is to meet such a talented singer/songwriter.

Wow, thanks! I appreciate you interviewing me!

Not to embarrass you right off; I am starting this with a quote of yours that I thought is perfect to share with the readers. It truly gives an insight as to your view of a singer and his or her art of song:
    
 “I see language and melody like being in a relationship. You both might not always see eye-to-eye, but it’s music when you do.”

That is a truly inspirational and true statement you have said. Do you see this holding true for all music and it’s singer and writer? I am wondering if the relationship is essential for all parties from penning the song and lyrics to then the same person or another performing it vocally.

Thanks! That's a quote from the archives. Good find. :-) I think the careful marriage of lyrics and

melody is key to any great song, so I definitely think this applies universally for songwriters. Down the line, I think it's the responsibility of the singer and musicians to drive that relationship home. Not every singer or player is going to be right for every song, so beyond the writing of the song, the execution definitely matters too.

Have you found it to be very difficult to find that perfect marriage of “music” from you performing live, recording solo/with the Goodnights? Give us an example of one time that truly is a “Stand Out” for your career? You also must have a moment of this from seeing another artist have that special connection with a specific song which gives chills, if so tell us about it.

It's definitely always a challenge getting a performance (live or in-studio) that really matches what I'm hearing in my head. That battle is always ongoing. 
I think the biggest struggle with music and finding a "sound" is that the defining "sound" of an artist is always changing, just like we as people are always changing. Each record is just that one moment in time. So there's a constant push and pull. I think each record I've made was pretty accurate for me at the time, though I don't think they'd sound the same at all if I were to re-record them now. The most recent release - The Middle Distance - is definitely the closest I've come to the right marriage of music, lyrics, and sound. But maybe it just feels like that because it's the most recent "moment in time!"

(Photo Credit: David Bean)

 Your brand new album and your first solo project; “The Middle Distance,” must have a lot of emotions attached to it, what made you take that big jump to go solo now and how did you decide the sound and feel for your first album?

It's the most personal music I've written in a long time - a return to the "diary," if you will. That was one of the big factors in branding it as a solo record. I also produced this one at home, which helped me attempt to capture a more genuine intimacy in the songs. Finding the sound and feel this time around was more streamlined and natural. I've always loved acoustic instruments and ethereal and electronic elements, so this was a great chance to experiment with all of them. Because I played most of the instruments, the arrangements felt very true to form. The parts I didn't play were played by long-time band-mates who are great at feeling the songs and know where I'm coming from.

I am very pleased to also say that you have been chosen specifically from the novelist Nicholas Sparks himself to be the official soundtrack to his up-coming book entitled; “Two By Two.” How did this occur? You must be very excited, tell how you were notified and the process in which you chose your songs which will be featured?

Thanks! Very, very excited about this. Nicholas was looking to make a "soundtrack" for his new book - a collection of four songs that fit with the themes found in the novel. He selected three songs from my existing catalog (one from each of my most recent records), and I wrote the fourth song after we discussed the book together. It's called "Two By Two" and is inspired by his story.

It really came out of the blue. I got the call from my manager while out on tour. It couldn't have come at a better time, and I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity. I've been counting my blessings a lot lately.

The Nicholas Sparks and JD Eicher collaboration sounds amazing, do you see an additional one happening in the future for say a motion picture?

Wow, that would be amazing! At the moment, things haven't gotten there, but I'd definitely jump at the opportunity.
 
Tell us the process of choosing specific songs along with track arrangement for this solo project and how it possibly differed from your past albums with the Goodnights?

I know I mentioned how it differs already, but song choice was pretty easy this time around. I wrote only these songs for this project. Sometimes artists will write a ton of songs and boil it down from there. I was pretty laser-focused on these tunes and knew I wanted them to go together. Track sequencing was a little harder this time around than with the previous records. The first and last songs were obvious to me, but from there I spent a lot of time looking at how the songs flowed thematically and musically. I'm happy with the final result. 

You are now on the road in support of your new album; have any good stories that stand-out thus far? There always seems to be one with a crazy fan, getting lost, mistaken identity, partying etc.

The band and I always joke about how we have so many stories, but that we can't seem to recall them on the spot. I think it's because so many of them require a decent amount of context. That said, one of the more recent fun memories was playing an event called Squatchfest in northern PA. Some good friends of the band threw their own music festival at a Drive-In theater, and it was Sasquatch-themed. Hairy back contest, Sasquatch costumes - the works. We had a great time playing. It was such a crazy concept for an event, and we had a lot of fun goofing around onstage. Our keyboardist, Ben, showed off his Sasquatch call quite a bit (sounded kind of like a turkey), and I took a (terrible) guitar solo using a "Sasquatch staff" (tree branch) that Jim, our bassist, "discovered" near the stage. Again, context. But it was super fun.

All artists have a fellow musician and album that was their true inspiration to get into the music business, who is yours, what is the album, and why?

Hmm.. It was definitely a combination of records that got me into music full-swing, but I'd say it was Dave Matthews's creative acoustic guitar playing that drew me toward guitar. That was the early start for me. Probably his Live at Luther College record. 

When we see you on the road will we be seeing your equally talented band, the Goodnights? I truly hope they make appearances since all of you are truly gifted.

Thanks a lot for all the kind words! I do play a lot of solo acoustic shows, but the band is alive and well, and we'll definitely be doing lots of dates moving forward. Sometimes I'll also travel with one or two of the guys instead of the full band. Lots of options. I love working with the guys.

(PHOTO CREDITS: David Bean)

JD Eicher's Official Sites:

Official website:  http://jdeicher.com/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/jdeicher

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/jdeicher

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jdeicher/

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/jdeicher

Itunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-middle-distance/id1097239745

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Kristin Chenoweth: The Art of Elegance!

Kristin Chenoweth - that is right one of our favorite Broadway actresses and singer's is releasing a brand new album entitled; The Art of Elegance!

Release dates are September 23rd (digital) and September 30th (physical). I am a huge fan of Kristin's and truly looking forward in this release which from what I have heard thus far is going to be another home run!

The new album brigs Kristin into her chance to sing the Great American Songbook. With such a rich and abundant score of tunes to choose from in a catalogue like that, what has Kristin chose to cover? I had my fingers crossed for some certain tunes and can happily say that now the track listing is official it is no disappointment. First she covers the great Ella Fitzgerald in "Someone to Watch Over Me" and Frank Sinatra and countless others. I am truly thrilled of the beautiful music Kristin chose and know that this will be another banner album for this star!

The Art of Elegance:
01. "Someone to Watch Over Me"
02. "I've Got a Crush on You" [featuring Dave Koz]
03. "Let's Fall In Love"
04. "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered"
05. "Zing, Went the Strings of My Heart"
06. "The Very Thought of You" [ft. Dave Koz]
07. "They Can't Take That Away From Me"
08. "A House Is Not a Home"
09. "I Get Along Without You Very Well"
10. "Skylark"
11. "I'm a Fool to Want You"
12. "Smile"
13. "You're My Saving Grace..."

For more information on this and other Kristin Chenoweth albums, please visit her official website at www.officialkristinchenoweth.com.

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JD Eicher (Preview of Exclusive Interview)

JD Eicher - is a musician that is now venturing into new territories career wise. 2016, is an instrumental year for this Youngstown, Ohio native who is releasing his first solo project entitled; The Middle Distance. Prior to his new endeavor he was part of; JC Eicher & the Goodnights. This comprised of JD and his long time band whom released three albums; The Shape of Things, Shifting, and Into Place. JD is now venturing onward with his solo project and hitting cities for a major touring schedule. This is one singer whom deserves the title of "artist."

Here at "The Beat!" we are very pleased to say that JD Eicher chose to sit down with us and talk about his career with the Goodnights, his new solo career, up-coming projects, and his current collaboration with best-selling author Nicolas Sparks!  JD's feature article will be coming out soon, in the meantime check-out THE VERY SPECIAL VIDEO GREETING! JD wants to get our readers and fans geared up for his article with the message made especially for "The Beat!"

JD, thanks for being such a gentleman and a true singer that we will be supporting for years to come! Now, sit down and relax and watch JD Eicher's special greeting below, cheers!

Official website:  http://jdeicher.com/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/jdeicher

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/jdeicher

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jdeicher/

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/jdeicher

Itunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-middle-distance/id1097239745

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