Interview

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

I started writing songs when I was in my early teens. Back when I had hair. Actually, I went bald at 17 so not long before I lost my hair. I had that dead dry look.   

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

Wild Eclectic Pop Rock    

PA ~ What gravitated you toward your artistic work ?    

I lost my sister at an early age and became sort of loner for awhile. Writing songs became a way of expressing my despair and helping me deal with her loss.    

PA ~ Who are your influenced by?

Everyone.  I love The Kinks, The Replacements, Bowie, Cypress Hill, Wu Tang Clan,  and even musical theater.    I really dig artists who aren't afraid to make fun of themselves. 

PA ~ I understand you have a CD called "HOORAY!!" , what is the listener / viewer in store for?

Everything. Musically, it's a hodgepodge of every style from Hip Hop, Rock, Funk, Pop, and Reggae. Lyrically, it's about being able to laugh at life no matter what horrible ordeal you maybe going through and not freaking about  the stupid everyday things that can drive you crazy.  It's about appreciating every second that you are able to live on this magnificent planet.     

PA ~ How is the CD being received?

Great, considering we haven't really done any promotion till now.  We like to record and play live music and are not very good at the promotion end of things. But we are starting to learn and are trying to get our music heard.   

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

My favorite song is "OHIO" which is basically my theme song since I'm from Ohio and have fond memories of my  time there.  My family still lives in Ohio. Northwest Ohio represent.  The song also gives you a good idea musically what we're about.  

PA ~ Will you be touring to promote your CD ?       

Probably not.  Just in and around LA. Unfortunately, we don't have the budget to tour.  If suddenly we are presented with an opportunity and can afford it, then most definitely. 

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

We are just finishing up our second album "SWELL" which will be done at the end of July. We also have a bunch of new videos for the new album as well.    

PA ~ Do you perform solo or normally with a group?     

I have performed acoustically but I much prefer performing with my band, The Hollywood Drunks. They are amazing group of extremely talented musicians. And we know how to do it right.   

PA ~ Any performances coming up you'd like to plug?     

Our cd release party is scheduled for the end of July but no specific date just yet.   

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

Everything. It's almost a vaudevillian experience.  I usually dress in some disguise (wigs, mustache's etc.) and greet people coming in to the venue. Most people don't recognize me. It's funny to freak people out as I talk to them and there wondering who is this weird dude talking to me.  We are here to entertain people so we do more than just play music. It's very theatrical and a lot of times comedic depending on how drunk the bass player is. 

PA ~ Do you perform outside of your hometown?     

Unfortunately no. Just in and around LA. We'd love to get out east especially to Ohio but as I stated earlier we're just to broke. 

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?     

I once played "Dust in The Wind" solo acoustic at a college talent show.  My hands were shaking so badly that the song was completely inaudible. I also forgot the lyrics and hummed the song in a frightened shrill voice. My parents were there. It was humiliating. People actually thought I had some sort of palsy. Friends couldn't look me in the eye. Good times.   

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

The indie scene is more vibrant than ever.  Now with digital downloading becoming more mainstream, physical distribution (cd's) is becoming a thing of the past which basically levels the playing field against major record labels.  Artists are learning that they no longer need them which is most excellent.    

PA ~ How is the artistic scene in LA evolving?     

LA is hysterical.  There are still a lot of pay to play places which I find disgusting.  I remember living in Ohio and Chicago where I would actively go out to a bar and see live music just for the sake of seeing live music.  LA is not that type of city Usually, there is a bill of 4 or 5 bands. Your friends come to see you play and leave. The other bands fans come to see them play and leave. No Crossover unless you get and play before the last bands  fans finish their drinks. It's all about numbers. There are a few venues that may give you time time to develop a following but they are hard to find.  

PA ~ What has the highlight of your career been?    

People singing the lyrics to my songs.  There is nothing better.    

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

The most important goal is for more people to hear our music and message.  And thanks to organizations such as yours, you are giving us an opportunity to reach out to more people. Thanks.    

PA ~ What are your other interests outside of your music?      

My family. Especially my baby daughter. And acting.   

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

It's simple.  Write from your heart. Believe in yourself. Don't listen to all the negative forces that will try to keep you from doing what you love. You have to have a deep passion in what your doing to keep at it for a long time.  And believe me, there's always somebody waiting for you to fail. That's just human nature. Sometimes you have to put blinders on to pursue your art.  

PA ~ Where can someone find out more about you?

You can find us at our website at www.winzenried.org or www.hollywooddrunks.com  or www.myspace.com/winzenried