Monday’s showcase featured the amazing talents of Chloe Temtchine, Christina Roberts, Jamie Floyd, Alan Merrill, Ina May Wool and Robert Cooper. If you missed this brilliant show, you can check out their music by clicking on the links above. Also watch our homepage for new audio!
I had the absolute honor of chatting with two of these gifted artists - Alan Merrill (writer and performer of the hit song “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll”) and Jamie Floyd (up and coming writer whose Nashville charm and big voice definitely set her apart). Check out what they had to say about music, the NYSC, and writing below!
A Chat with Alan Merrill…
Q: What was your favorite moment of the night?
A: Honestly, before the show I was worried that people wouldn't sing along to "I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll" and when that happens (a lack of audience participation) the song doesn't really work well. It's a sing-along song, tailor made for pubs in the UK and Europe, literally. I was very happy when I sang it that the audience supported the chorus, as did my fellow performers, which made it work as it was written.
Q: What were your personal impressions?
A: I enjoyed the way it was structured, with 6 performers, and everyone getting 3 turns at bat. The audience were great, very receptive at the right moments during quiet passages, keeping the patter down. Loud chatter is very distracting when performing a ballad. Drives me mad. I get stage rage!
Q: Favorite songs? Performers?
A: I hate playing favorites! All the songs were wonderful. Christina's "Our Secret Is Good", Jamie's "Right Where You Want Me" and Robert's "Beautiful" off the top of my head, were great. If I left anyone out, you were great too! Christina, Chloe, Robert and Jamie all have star quality and the potential to be major artists in the future. They're young and have lots of the type of positive energy that can take them anywhere with a bit of good fortune.
Q: What need is the NYSC meeting?
A: It's a community of people who have similar goals, I think. Obviously we none of us write songs to keep them hidden at home. Some people are more ambitious than others, but I think the NYSC brings a group of people together to perhaps work together and brainstorm who might not ever meet if not for the organization.
Q: Why is its existence important?
A: The same reason any community of artists form. To get to know like minded people, and network.
Q: How do you feel about the state of music today?
A: The music industry is in a state of chaos at the moment, and I'm quite enjoying that. The industry deserves shaking up. They've been lazy and imitative in general, the major labels.
It's almost like inbreeding and lack of imagination have caused a freak show that few people are particularly interested in.
Q: Artistically?
A: Me? I do whatever I want now. I've been controlled and that doesn't always make for the best music, although it could once upon a time make the charts, because that's the way the business was set up. I like and prefer musical freedom, and now I have it.
Q: As far as the "business"?
I'm not hearing much music at all on MTV or VH1, which is disappointing. It seems the business is set up to create instant stars from reality shows and American Idol type formats.
I think the field is so crowded today, an act would have to be so unique it would be impossible to ignore them.
I'm not seeing any of that right now.
Q. What would you say to a writer who aspires to write that "big song" that makes it all the way like yours did?
A: Honestly, some songs seem to have an odd life, and that's not something I could possibly advise someone on or predict. All of my covers have happened because I recorded a version and then people heard my original and then covered the song. I've even sung other people's compositions, released them, and they subsequently got picked up by artists like Wilson Pickett (It's Harder Now), Robert Cray (24-7 Man), Buddy Guy (Midnight Train), BB King (All You Ever Give Me Is The Blues) and others. Maybe it's something in my direct presentation that inspires covers. I don't know.
Q: How do they get there?
A: Make records, do live performances, do not stay at home brooding and complaining. That goes nowhere. Jump in to the fray. Open mics, jams. If you aren't going to work out, you'll know it soon enough. People are receptive to talent if it shines. They turn away if it's not happening.
I've been doing this professionally since 1968, and I think to look ahead and not back is very important. There's plenty of light ahead if you keep a positive attitude, and it's a must to ignore negative people.
Q: What new artist/act are you most excited about right now?
A: I like Jesse Bryson (Wally Bryson of The Raspberry's son). Jesse has what it takes. He's a potential star. Songs, voice, looks. The full package. But the music business is not what it was when I was coming up. I haven't a clue how to advise him. I guess I should suggest he get involved with the NYSC for a start!
PS- I totally forgot to mention Tina's opening number at the event, which was delicate and superb. I noted the excellent choice Tina made in an accompanying piano player, who was intuitively clued in to Tina's vision of the song and who also sang tight harmonies with her. To me, it was sort of reminiscent of David Crosby's best work, which from me is the highest compliment, as I'm a huge fan of that musical genre.
And now from Jamie…
Q: What was the highlight of Monday night for you personally?
A: I had an incredible experience with the NYSC and feel very blessed to have shared the stage with such talented songwriters! It's difficult to choose THE highlight from such a memorable show. Overall, the opportunity to appear onstage at "The Bitter End" with my friends and family members from New York in the audience--that was the best part of the night for me. Nashville isn't exactly close for them!
Q: What was it like to play with Alan Merrill?
A: Performing onstage alongside Alan Merrill was A) intimidating and B) inspiring! I have so much respect for the craft of songwriting-- to have the chance to hear a song like "I Love Rock 'N' Roll" performed live by its craftsman was unbelievable. Alan was completely captivating and I am so lucky to have heard him play his hits in such an intimate setting.
Q: What has your NYSC experience meant to you so far?
A: My experience with NYSC was invaluable. The opportunity to play my songs live in New York City, of course, was exciting enough. Then, I made new friends and co writers--not to mention all the wonderful people who work for NYSC. I have to say the entire staff's approachability and their commitment to the success of the show was very impressive. They made me feel so welcome. I feel very fortunate to have become involved with such a dedicated group of music lovers.
Q: What musicians/singer/songwriters have had the most influence on you? Describe that influence?
A: I have a very eclectic group of influences--my parents are both professional musicians and, from a very young age, they had me hooked on the voices of artists like: George Benson, Trisha Yearwood, George Strait, Bonnie Raitt and Al Jarreau to name a few. They have the unmistakable ability to use their voices/instruments to affect their listeners emotionally, in a very significant way. I would love to work my way up to that level of interpreting--they are some of the masters, in my opinion. I have been influenced by far too many songwriters to mention here--James Taylor and Dean Dillon especially….They are capable of such complex simplicity--their songs tell me something more every time I listen. They've set such an example. My favorite musician has been George Benson for a very long time--he can play an instrumental and make me cry. That's how much emotion he sends through that guitar.
Q: What is your favorite song you performed Monday? Tell me the story behind it? What it was like writing it?
A: On Monday night I played a song I wrote with my friend, (let's be honest, EVERYBODY's friend!) Jeff Cohen, called, "The Best of Everything." We wrote it in Nashville and it was the first song Jeff and I had ever written together. It was a relatively fast co write, I'd come to him with the first few opening lines and melody and we ran with it. It is a very honest song about falling in love and staying there...neither of which I have done, as of yet! So, it was a nice departure from my usual, preferred ballad subject matter: gut-wrenching, debilitating heartbreak!
Q: What do aspiring singer/songwriters need the most today?
A: Aspiring songwriters need to have an unwavering belief in themselves and their songs. I think that is essential. Secondly, it is always a plus to meet someone-- whether it be a fellow co writer, publisher or a plugger ect.-- who believes in you enough to become your champion. I feel incredibly blessed to have found that in my new publisher, Steve Seskin. As an up and coming writer, it is truly a gift to have someone in your corner who dreams success for you the way you dream it for yourself.
Are you a singer/songwriter? Let the NYSC dream with you!
Peace,
Lorae
