Ryan Egan, vocals and guitar, answered some of our questions about the band, its sound, and what the future has in store for the Ugly Club, including a full-length album in the works that will hopefully be released later in the year. Judging from the EP, the possibilities are endless for this band we we wish them nothing but the best.

You can check out The Ugly Club on their Official Site which has links to all of the various social networking websites. You can purchase their EP, Sing What You Want on iTunes.

Frequency Magazine: Welcome, Alex! As most people know, you were lead singer of The Calling. Now you’re on your own and approaching it in quite the business-savvy way! Can you tell us more about your partnership with Zorbitz and the Black Star bracelets?

Alex Band: Zorbitz and I got together and created this awesome line of rock n’ roll jewelry. We designed a line of 12 bracelets that each stand for something such as “luck” and “miracles” and each bracelet has a song off of my new album that ties in with what it stands for. So with each bracelet purchase you get a download of that specific song as well as headshots, ringtones, and video messages from me. The more bracelets you get the more of my album you will have as well as getting more bonus features. This is a way for me to pre-release my album and in a way that has never been done before. It’s really unique and you can check out clips of my songs and see the line at blackstarbracelet.com.

FM: You’ve also started your own label. With your first solo album, We’ve All Been There, coming out in stores this year, how does the so-called “indie” experience differ from major label music making?

AB: It differs in so many positive ways. I can call all the shots and make every decision along the way. Since I am the only artist on my label, I don’t have to worry about competing with others or being shelved or any creative arguments about my music. I truly can see every penny going in and out and know why and when it happens. None of this is possible with a major label.

FM: You’ve famously collaborated with Carlos Santana, Idol winner Kris Allen, and singer-songwriter Joanna Pacitti. Do you have any dream collabos or, since you’re hitting the road this year, dream tour mates?

AB: I love writing for and with other artists and I hope to be doing a lot more of it. Bono from u2 is definitely my idol, so writing or getting to open for him or even meet him would be a dream come true. I really hope to achieve that someday soon. For now I am traveling all over the country on my own doing radio station promo and some shows here and there. I’ll be starting full band shows in may when the album gets released and then I’ll head over to Europe.

FM: Speaking of American Idol, you’ve undoubtedly been in the contestants’ shoes at one time or another. What advice would you give to those getting started in the ever-changing music industry?

AB: I would say to stay true to yourself first and foremost and to try and do everything you can on your own. Get people to back you and invest in you and your music and do everything you can to stay away from labels. It may not always be easy, and I am proof of that but it is so worth it to be able to control your career and the music you work so hard to create.

FM: Final question (and it’s always a fun one)! You’re quite the Ferrari fan, it seems. Would you ever consider having your own “Ferrari Garage,” Jay Leno style? ;)

AB: Haha, I wouldn’t know what to do with all of those cars. I love to take mine everywhere and some think I am crazy for using it as my daily car… But sure, who wouldn’t want a garage full of amazing cars that you can choose from?! I’d probably donate a whole lot to charity before I ever indulged in something that ridiculous.

FM: Thanks again, Alex, for taking the time to chat with us! Best of luck with the new album!

For more Alex Band info, check out http://www.alexband.net.

Frequency Magazine: You said of your 2007 album, Under the Influence, “The album would come to define everything I did not want to be and was one of the biggest lessons of my life…BE TRUE TO MYSELF.”  How is your new EP, You For Me, a better representation of the true Terra Naomi?

Terra Naomi: Well, You For Me was co-produced by myself and two of my friends. It is very organic and natural. Yes, there are other instruments, but it’s still pretty raw as far as a produced album goes. I think it’s the perfect bridge between my acoustic recordings and my upcoming studio album.

FM: Being familiar with different versions of several of the songs on Under the Influence, it is hard for me to believe that you had hardly any input on what was happening to those tracks in the studio (especially “Jenny” and “Say It’s Possible”).  Can you explain what happened during the production process of that album regarding the manipulation of the songs and/or you that ultimately led to a result with which you are so disappointed?

Naomi: It was more of something that happened before we went into the studio. I wanted to make an album that was similar in feel and tone to my videos on YouTube. I wanted to get a few great musicians together in a room, mic everything, and record the album that way – organic, raw, natural. The people I was working with convinced me that this was not the right approach, and my belief in myself and my own instincts was not strong enough at that time. It can be really hard when you are a new artist and you are trying to figure out the best way to go…you listen to the people around you. Happiness and success require an extremely clear understanding of yourself as an artist and as a human, which I admittedly did not have, and I ended up really disappointed. I did not trust my instincts and I allowed other people to tell me what to do creatively, and I regret that to this day.

FM: You are in the unique position to give insight on the music industry from the perspective of an insider but with the freedom of someone not currently signed to a label.  Could you offer a critical assessment of what goes on behind closed doors in the music industry?

Naomi: Haha – well, yes, I could, but I do not want to bite the hand that feeds me, so to speak. I have had a unique opportunity to experience many different aspects of this business. I can say that most of the cliches are true – the rollercoaster – the ups and downs – feeling like everyone’s priority one day and the next day not being called back…it’s a rough ride, really, and I understand why so many artists go through the major label experience and then drop out entirely, at least for a while. It’s painful. The expectations are high, on every side.

I think the important thing is to realize what a major label can and can’t do. It’s a business model, a marketing plan, a promotional vehicle, a bank…the people who work there are part of the machine, but it’s not quite that simple, because most of them, at least at some point in their lives, truly loved music…so you try to find those people who still do, and then you remain detached because within that system an artist is still just a product. It’s not evil or bad or cruel – it’s just business. Tough to mix business with art. There are many casualties. You try to keep your head in the creative process and keep creating no matter what – whether things seem to be going great or not so great – because creating is the only thing artists actually have complete control over. The thing is, labels provide the kind of backing and infrastructure that is still really important at this time. Yes, you can reach people independently with the internet – but there are so many people trying to do that now, and without financial backing it’s pretty difficult. So finding a way to exist comfortably within the system is my current focus.

FM: You and others have proven that the internet can be used as a marketing tool effectively enough to maintain a career as a musician without giving in to the every demand of a big label.  How do you think the music industry will react to this threat?

Naomi: At the present time, I do not think the Internet is a threat to the business. It is a threat to album sales, yes, but the labels are coming up with other ways to profit from the artists they develop. Yes, the industry is changing, and for artists who are already well-known, the internet is a great way to maintain and continue to develop an existing fan base. It can also be effective as a marketing tool for people who have a lot of money to invest in marketing and PR. I think it has actually become harder to launch a career online independently. There are so many more people trying to do it now, and sorting through the hundreds of thousands of bands is kind of tough. I think it was easier a few years ago.

As far as how the industry is reacting, I think labels are doing a great job. They are a bit behind and have had to catch up, but they have smart people figuring out how to use all these websites to launch their artists now. And they have the money to back it up. It’s only a threat if they refuse to embrace it. That might have happened early on, but I think everyone in the industry is totally aware of the need to change the model and find ways to use the internet as the incredible promotional tool that it is. I’ve seen fantastic online campaigns coming from the major labels now.

FM: You and Ingrid Michaelson have had considerable success without being signed to a record label.  Regina Spektor waited until she had already released four albums before she signed with a major label because she demanded (and ultimately received) complete creative control.  You are all also very outspoken about the realities and risks of signing a contract with a label. How much do you think popular artists such as yourselves will affect the mindsets of up-and-coming artists who want to be career musicians?

Naomi: I don’t really know the effect I will have – the point I always try to get across is that artists need to know who they are, what they want, make sure they are creating the very best music they are capable of creating, and educate themselves so they have a very clear understanding of what this industry is and is not. It’s not really about my path or Ingrid Michaelson’s path, or Regina Spektor’s – we are three entirely different artists with entirely different stories. It happens differently for every artist, and the successful ones are those who know themselves and know what is best for themselves individually. You can’t look at one aspect of someone’s career and say “I want that, so I will do what that person did” because it won’t happen in the same way. For some artists, signing with a major label right away might be the best thing – it all depends on the kind of artist you are and what you want from your career. Complete creative control might be the best thing for Regina Spektor, but probably not so much for Miley Cyrus, you know? It all depends on the artist. The thing I hope I can inspire in other artists is to be true to their art and really listen to their instincts as far as which decisions to make on this path. Know themselves, deeply and honestly. It is so easy to be swayed, especially when we are dealing with a business built on dreams.

Frequency Magazine: You’re currently on tour with Tegan and Sara and will co-headline with Kaki King in April and May. What can fans expect to experience at an An Horse show?

Kate: Oh you know a good old fashioned show! I wish we could have a meal break mid set but I am told that most people don’t get hungry every 15 minutes.

FM: Speaking of T&S, you’ve formed quite a friendship with them. Can we expect to hear a collaboration in the future?

Kate: Sara and I have a project called Two Sharks. It’s in its infancy. Don’t hold your breath.

FM: Some might call AH “The White Stripes in reverse.” Having both previously played in full-fledged bands, how would you describe the duo experience?

Kate: It’s obviously very different. I find it more challenging creatively that’s for sure. We have to do more with less. It keeps us both on our toes. I think it makes me (and Damon) really explore our instruments in ways we didn’t have to when there were more band members.

FM: Although you’re still promoting Rearrange Beds, what’s next on the An Horse album agenda? Some crazy experimentation, perhaps?

Kate: After this tour wraps up we are both headed back to Australia to write the new record. It will be awesome to be back in the writing mode. This time around we don’t have to juggle another job so it’s going to be amazing.

FM: Last question…and it’s always a little random. Let’s pretend we’re in a perfect time-traveling, money-making world. What’s your dream festival line-up (An Horse included, of course)?

Kate: Telekinesis, Tegan and Sara, DCFC, Silversun Pickups, Gillian Welch, The Jealous Sound, The Gaslight Anthem, Knapsack, Fugazi, Sleater-Kinney, Electrelane, The Decemberists, The Cancer Bats, Against Me!, Johnny Cash, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Fever Ray, Rodriguez, Brand New, Neutral Milk Hotel and Sonic Youth. I could keep adding but it’s getting silly.

FM: Sounds like an amazing line-up. Thanks again, Kate, for taking time out to chat with us!

For more An Horse info and tour dates, visit http://www.anhorse.com.

FM: What are the preparation stages when recording an album?  Do you go into the studio with a pre-plan?

Yes! I’m in “pre-production” in my mind, as soon as a song is done, but officially I spend several full days devoted entirely to mapping arrangements, keys, tempos, figuring out which instrumentation for which songs…the overall feel of the record and the best recording plan.

FM: Describe a typical day in the studio.  Is there one?

Not really a typical day. It depends on what needs to get done. This week we’re laying guitar and vocal parts to a click track so that when we call the other session musicians, they have something to play to.  We’re recording grand piano tonight at a huge church nearby that my producer/engineer Spenser Bishop has access to.

FM: For this upcoming record, are you working with musicians you’ve worked with before or are you experimenting with new sounds?

Both. It looks as though good friend and long time bassist Zach Rudulph will be making an appearance. Will be bringing in good buddy Tony Lucca to sing on a new song called “This Beautiful Ache,” and very excited to collab with him on the new record. Mostly I’m stripping down from previous recordings and building tracks around my vocal and guitar. Leaning more toward percussion than drums. Cello over bass…more acoustic/organic than the previous releases.

FM: Do you go into the studio with a set deadline for the album?

I embark on a 4 week US tour with Joe Firstman in February, so ideally I’d like to be done tracking and into mixing by then. Otherwise the release of the record gets pushed back several more months. It’s not so much a set deadline, in that if it’s not right we can’t take the time to correct something, but releasing a record takes months of pre-planning with regards to promotion, marketing and distribution… and if it’s delayed, you have to start over with regards to a release plan.

FM: What is the typical wait time from post-production to release date?

Typically 2-3 months. That’s the time it takes to properly promote, market and distribute a new release.

FM: On your website, you’ve stated that Starting Over was just that, starting over.  Are you going for a certain tone with this new album as well?

I can’t say so much that I’m going for a certain theme with regards to songs, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it appears that way to some because many of the songs were written within a year or so, and that tends to reflect where you were at a specific place in your life. With regards to sound though, I do know that I’m aiming for a more intimate record than the previous two.

FM: Do you have a favorite studio memory when recording past albums?

I vividly remember the making of Congress Hotel, sitting on the piano in the house above the studio playing “When The Lights Go Down,” and being so pleased with the way the performance was captured live, no multi-tracking or editing.

FM: And lastly, (and for completely selfish reasons), are fans going to get to see a studio version of “Yes I Am” with this album?

Yes indeed : ]

She was our first Under the Radar artist featured back in April of this year and we recently caught up with her to chat about growing up in Alaska, pursuing a record deal, her thoughts on filing sharing and some other things in between.

FM: Although you were born in Texas, you were raised in Alaska. What was it like to grow up there?

Devin: Well, I definitely feel like I have both in me. I always say that my roots, my blood, is in Texas, and my heart is in Alaska. My family and I moved to Alaska when I was in the 8th grade, so most of my younger childhood memories are of Texas (which is where my song “I’m Missing Home” comes from).

Moving to Alaska was a shock to say the least! We moved in the DEAD of winter, negative 30 temperatures, tons of snow and ice, and not a single person I knew within several thousands of miles. But, it was stunningly beautiful and little did I know my life would be so much better for having lived there. Those nine years (before moving to Nashville) were some of the best and most influential of my life. Not only because that’s where I met my awesome husband (at 17 years old), but I think that’s where musically, I really grew the most. I started teaching voice lessons and engineering at a recording studio in Anchorage when I was 18 and absolutely loved it. I learned so much. I’m forever grateful for those experiences. I miss it!

FM: Was it easy for you to maintain country music influences there?

Devin: Oh definitely. I mean, its not as country-fied (yes I just said “country-fied”) as Texas, but there are some incredibly talented musicians in Alaska. I had the honor of working with a lot of them, country and otherwise.

FM: At what point did you realize that you wanted to make a living in the music industry?

Devin: Well, it’s funny you should ask, moving to Nashville and being a big country star was all I ever wanted growing up. In fact it’s all EVERYONE wanted for me. Since my first time on stage in my sixth grade talent show I knew it’s what I would be.

But then the years went on and I just never really felt like it was the right time, or I just had kind of lost the desire to pursue it. I was happy with my life and it freaked me out to make such a drastic decision that would throw my husband and I’s plans totally out the window. But God had other plans! Long story short I met some amazing musicians from Nashville when they came to play at the Alaska state fair and they convinced me to come to Nashville and record a demo. My husband came with me and it was after only a week of our visit that we decided to take the plunge and make the move. There are so many amazing details that clearly pointed us to that decision, and even in the bumpy times on this road to “making it,” we know we’re supposed to be here.

FM: When we first featured you back in April, you were unsigned. Is that still the case?

Devin: Yep! I’m learning more about this thing called ‘patience,’ and we are not always friends!

FM: What has the process of getting a record deal been like for you? Is there a label that you’d really like to be a part of?

Devin: It’s been interesting. I mean, I certainly didn’t think I was just gonna waltz into town in my snow boots fresh from the igloo and get a record deal. I knew it would be tough. I knew it would take a while. And I knew still I had a lot to learn. It’s exciting at times but I’m not gonna lie, it’s frustrating. To have a great meeting with someone and you think something’s gonna happen with it and then they never call you again? Discouraging. And then there’s that voice in the back of your head telling you that this is a waste of time, that you’ll never make it, just pack up your dog sled and head back home! But that voice doesn’t love me. So I try to listen to the ones that do.

And as far as a specific label that I’m interested in? I don’t really know at this point. I know of some that I don’t think I’d want to be a part of, but we won’t get into that!

FM: Has there been one artist that has been really instrumental in your desire to keep pursuing music as a career?

Devin: There are a lot of artists that I greatly admire and that have inspired me to keep pursuing music. I don’t know if I can name just one in particular but I guess I try to remind myself that many (if not MOST) artists, even my favorites, who are successful today did not get there quickly. Everyone’s been said “No” to more than once when trying to land a deal. I just have to remember that.

FM: Is there anything you do to keep your sanity through this process?

Devin: I get frustrated and discouraged at times but I’m not about to walk out on this dream. At the same time I realize that it’s possible that my destiny isn’t to be an “artist.” But, like I said before, I know God brought me here to Nashville for SOMETHING. And I’m stayin’ ’till I find out what it is! My family and friends keep me sane. They are always there to encourage me and brighten my day.

FM: What are your thoughts on file sharing in general and on the effect it has had on the music industry?

Devin: I think file sharing definitely puts a dent in profits for the label, artist, songwriters, etc. I can’t say that I haven’t burned a friend a mix CD before, but I think that the online mass distribution of free songs is surely hurting the industry. Also, I sometimes wonder how purchased downloads has affected it. I don’t know the numbers but to able to buy one song from an album for 99 cents rather than the whole thing for 15 bucks or whatever CDs go for has got to be hurting the business. Not that I don’t love iTunes, ’cause I do!

FM: Do you think the threat of file sharing and piracy forces artists to put out better albums so people actually want to buy them?

Devin: No, I don’t think that whether the music is good or bad has anything to do with it. If someone is going to steal music they probably don’t stop to think “Well, maybe I should pay for this since I know it will be good.” They just want it and they want it for free.

FM: Due to the availability of single songs are labels more focused on having good singles instead of putting out quality albums? An “Artists make records in a world where record labels make singles” type of mentality?

Devin: I do think the industry has a huge focus on singles and radio, because it’s largely what is driving the business. But I can’t imagine labels would skimp on trying to put out the best albums possible. That’s not in theirs or the artists’ best interest. The fact is that not every song on an album can be (or needs to be) a single. And actually, most of the time I’ve found that my favorite songs on many records were never singles.

FM: In addition to being a singer, you are also a songwriter. Have you written any songs that have been recorded by other artists?

Devin: No, not yet. I’ve had some great response from labels and artists…but none cut yet.

FM: As a songwriter, I’m sure you grow attached to your songs. What if the song they wanted was a song you only had envisioned yourself recording?

Devin: There are definitely some more personal songs that I’ve written that it’s hard to imagine anyone but me recording. They tell part of my story and come from a deep emotional place inside of me. To see someone else record them seems weird, but at the same time I think it would be great. I’d feel honored that someone connected with my song so much that they’d want to sing it too.

FM: Have you thought about putting out an independent release while you wait for a record label to realize how talented you are?

Devin: Actually, I AM currently working on my first album. It’s, of course, a little difficult to try and produce and release a record without label support, but I just figured, “Hey, let’s go ahead and release something out there and see what people think. Even if I don’t get any industry response, at least I can be on iTunes. Mom will be so excited.”

FM: Well, you have at least one person who would buy that album! Thank you so much for doing this interview, Devin, as it turned out to be quite lengthy–and good luck getting that record deal!

To listen to Devin’s music, head on over to her Myspace.p

Kenny Vasoli was busy signing autographs and the other members Tom Gryskiewicz and Mike Golla were busy setting up for the show as I followed Matt to a small seating area to do the interview. He was incredibly nice and overly grateful for the interest in Somebody’s Gonna Miss Us.

Frequency Magazine: Tonight Kenny, Mike and Tom’s other bands will be performing. How are their new sounds different from The Starting Line?

Matt Watts: We are all inspired by very different types of music. That is what made The Starting Line so great and the other members new bands so unique from one another. Kenny is influenced by Radiohead and Animal Collective, Tom by pop music and Motown and Mike by punk, especially Hot Water Music.

FM: How do you think TSL fans will react to the new bands?

MW: I think they will respond best to Person L, Kenny’s band, and The Traded Series, Mike’s band, because they are the most similar to TSL. Cheap Seats have a stronger pop sound and are much different from TSL.

FM: During the eight years TSL was together, you did a lot of touring. What was your favorite band to tour with?

MW: Years ago we co-headlined the Brand New tour with Finch. It was when everyone was just starting out and no one had egos yet. We all shared hotel rooms and overall just had a fun time.

FM: What made you decide to release this CD/DVD which includes such personal Documentary?

MW: The documentary gives the fans insight as to why we were so worn out and needed to take a break. It gives details about the struggle with the labels and was necessary in order to be fair to our fans about our hiatus.

FM: What are the plans for the future of TSL?

MW: Currently we are focusing on other things. All of us are friends and talk almost everyday. We have to get back in a room together and see how it feels. We don’t want to force anything, but this isn’t the end.

FM: What are the feelings surrounding the release of Somebody’s Gonna Miss Us?

MW: Definitely good feelings. It is also bittersweet.

Check out Somebody’s Gonna Miss Us live CD/DVD, which is available now, as well as the current projects members from the Starting Line are working on; The Traded Series, Cheap Seats and Person L.

Frequency Magazine: Your new album, Aged and Confused, is now available.  Why should people buy this new album?

Bill Engvall: Aged and Confused was a lot of fun for me to record.  My previous albums have been about my kids and raising a family.  Now that we are empty-nesters, it has forced me to go back and write comedy like I did before I had children.  This material will speak to anyone who is getting older and having to deal with those side-effects of aging.  It will also appeal to everyone because it is just good ol’ fashioned stand-up the way I like to do it.

FM: You talk extensively about your love for baseball in your book, Just a Guy: Notes from a Blue Collar Life.  Baseball players and stand-up comics both occasionally get heckled while they work.  How do you feel about hecklers and being heckled?

Engvall: I always felt that heckling was a just a complete waste of time for both the heckler and the audience.  Why do you want to break up the flow of the show just so you can try to impress your date?  I don’t believe that the heckler thinks it through. We are trained professionals, and we have a microphone.  We can be a lot louder than you. I love it when someone starts heckling and the audience tells them to shut up.  Why on earth would you pay 40 bucks a ticket and not want to enjoy the show. Go figure!

FM: Is there anything that should be off-limits in comedy – something that just should not be joked about?  Is there anything that is off-limits to you personally?  Explain.

Engvall: That is a hard question, but I generally steer away from anything that I feel my be hurtful to someone.  Now, that is harder to do than you might think because different people have different things that they are sensitive to.  I don’t like doing jokes about people that have passed away, or plane crashes or things like that.

FM: Two guys get into a disagreement in a bar and begin insulting each other.  Who wins the insult battle: Bob Newhart or Steve Martin? Break it down like a football pregame show.

Engvall: Well, this is a battle for the ages. Both of these gentlemen are gamers.  Newhart will attack with a dry sense of humor that will put Martin at a disadvantage; however, don’t discount the ever wily Martin. He will counter with obscure references that Newhart may find difficult to deal with.  I believe that it will be a tie going to the last quarter, but Steve Martin will win out with a last minute tirade about the comic working a plumber’s convention.

FM: You are often talked about as being a clean comic and have become very popular with a distinct demographic of people.  Do you ever filter or censor your comedy to make sure you maintain your reputation and demographic?  Explain.

Engvall: Oh definitely. I can’t count how many bits I have had in rough form that I thought were very funny, but I felt might be a little rough for my audience.  No one loves a good dirty joke more than me, but I won’t do them in front of my crowd.  I have worked very hard to be funny while being clean, and I have found out that people really appreciate it. I love when I see a family sitting together at one of my shows.  Maybe when I know I am doing my last stand up show EVER, I will cut loose, but I can’t promise. I have done it this way so long. I don’t know that anyone would buy it. Ha ha ha!