PENNENGA Interview

Interview

PA ~ When did you take up your artistry and how long have you been involved with it?

I started playing bass in the Air Force in the sixties, then switched over to guitar.

PA ~ Musically, how would you describe your sound/genre?

My sound definitely has a sixties flavor to it but

I have taken all the sounds over the past thirty years and blended them in.

PA ~ What gravitated you toward your artistic work ?

I consider myself a creative person. I am only happy when I am creating, whether its writing (I have written two novels) or photography (I was a professional

for eighteen years) or acting or creating music. I don't read music. I do it all by sound, how the various notes interplay with each other.

PA ~ Who are your influenced by?

I tried duplicating the dissonant sounds of Alice in Chains but

my friends tell me it sounds more like Talking heads. Of course the Beatles influenced me with their melody lines and quirky lyrics.

PA ~ I understand you have a CD called IMAGINE?

Yes, it's similar to Talking Heads, David Bowie, The Clash,

with Queen like harmonies.

PA ~ How is the CD being received?

Just starting to get feedback. Mostly good!

PA ~ Do you have a favorite composition on the CD?

I like Smack the Monkey because it asks God to help the drug addict get back on track. My son is struggling with a heroin problem. I'm proud of Tush Tush because I think I mastered the current upbeat dance sound.

PA ~ Will you be touring to promote IMAGINE?

I will probably sell CD's nationally and play locally.

PA ~ Any other projects or follow ups in the works presently?

I have created six CD's so far, each with twelve songs on them. I am creating/writing everyday trying to come up with that universal song everyone loves. I create all the music parts myself and usually I play out by myself. I play guitar and sing to tapes I have created.

PA ~ What would someone expect attending one of your shows?

I would hope they would be impressed with the originality of my songs, melodies, harmonies and words.

PA ~ During your artistic journey so far, any interesting (funny, bizarre, highlight, nightmare etc...) stories come to mind you'd like to share with us?

Played an outside gig recently with no lights on the stage. After dark, I couldn't see a thing and the people couldn't see me. Maybe that heightened their ears.

PA ~ Give us your thoughts on the indie music scene good and not so good.

It seems you have to be successful before an agent or producer or label will try to make you successful. The little guy seems to get run over and ignored. I am pleased to see some companies on the internet actually taking the time to listen to new stuff. But all these music sites (soundclick, tuneflow. etc) aren't worth much unless you have some bucks to advertise yourself.

PA ~ What has the highlight of your career been?

Played with Peter Yarrow in central park in front of 5000 people. I had my own cablevision show on Channel six for a year.

PA ~ What are some goals you hope to accomplish in the future?

Sell some CD's. get recognized.

PA ~ What are your other interests outside of music?

Like I said earlier, I also write books, do some photography. I am a runner and biker and have done several triathalons in my area. I love poker but I suck at it.

PA ~ What was the best piece of advice you ever heard that motivates you in pursuit of your artistry?

As hard as it is sometimes, NEVER GIVE UP. If the only person that hears and appreciates my music is my girlfriend, then I have touched someone!

PA ~ Where can someone find out more about PENNENGA.

Pennenga's music is on www.soundclick.com/pennenga. And also