Featured IPO CD Artists: Andrew Stonehome, Ramirez Exposure & Marc Jonson, James Booth & The Return
Featured IPO CD Artist: Andrew Stonehome
IPO Vol. 23 CD Song: “Heartbreaker”
1. What was the reason you chose the song you did for the IPO CD?
The song that I chose (“Heartbreaker”) is an upbeat Power Pop song that seems to be the best fit stylistically for the CD. My music can be a bit eclectic and this song seems like the obvious choice because of the reception that it’s gotten among folks who like Power Pop music.
2. Please describe that pivotal moment when you first realized you wanted to create music or become a band.
As a little kid, I wanted to learn the piano but we didn’t have one in my house. When we visited relatives who had one, I was fascinated by watching my cousin play and I’d spend hours pounding away on it and trying to make sounds that I liked. It felt like magic.
I knew I wanted to play an instrument but didn’t know which one, so I played the violin and saxophone in elementary school because I didn’t think guitar and drums were legitimate options at that age, for some reason. I began learning the drumset in junior high and then the guitar and bass around the age of 17. I finally got to (most other guitar majors would have said “had to”) take piano lessons in college.
I’m an introverted person who likes to be able to express myself in my own unique way through creative outlets. Music has been a good way for me to express the person that I am inside.
3. Which other artists (living or dead) do you admire most and why?
Childhood is such an impressionable time and the music we hear during those years seems to have a lasting impact. My parents played a lot of John Denver when I was little and I can tell that his music continues to strongly influence my music, whether I want it to or not.
Others who have significantly influenced me at various times include Sting and Hawksley Workman, film composers like John Williams and John Barry, rock groups like Green Day and Weezer, and acoustic acts like Paul Simon and Bon Iver. I really appreciate people who continually learn, grow and evolve and who stay true to their authentic selves.
4. How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact you and your music?
Fortunately, I’ve been spared from significant impact from the pandemic, which I know hasn’t been the case for many people. As an introvert who chooses to make music by myself at my house when I’m not working or with the kids, my routine didn’t change much. In March of 2020 I was finishing recording most of the music that I’ve released so far, so a good chunk of the pandemic was spent learning how to mix and then mixing and releasing those songs. Because that took so much time, I’ve only recently been able to get back to writing and recording new music.
5. What do you most enjoy about being associated with The IPO Festival/CD?
As someone who is relatively new to releasing music and who hadn’t actually heard the term “Power Pop” until a few years ago, it’s an honor to be included with a group of people that have been a part of the Power Pop community for such a long time. I really appreciate that a little song that I recorded in my house gets a chance to be heard by people all over the world who are a part of the IPO community.
6. Where can people who love your song on the IPO CD go to get more of your music and/or find out when and where you’re playing?
The best place to learn more or connect with me is on my website (AndrewStonehome.com) as well as the standard music and social platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube). Since I play and record all of the instruments myself, I haven’t formed a band for the purpose of performing, so I’m not playing live at this time. Because I’m not playing in front of people, I don’t get much feedback about the music so I’d love to connect with and hear from anyone who listens. Thanks so much for listening!
Featured IPO CD Artist: Ramírez Exposure & Marc Jonson
IPO Vol. 23 CD Song: “The Real Sound Of The World”
1. What was the reason you chose the song you did for the IPO CD?
Marc: It’s a great song.
2. Please describe that pivotal moment when you first realized you wanted to create music or become a band.
Marc: Hearing the radio as a young child and becoming fascinated.
Víctor: Listening to Pet Sounds when I was a skinny teenager. It helped me a lot to feed my nonconformity and also setting up my own rules.
3. Which other artists (living or dead) do you admire most and why?
Marc: Arthur Lee because of Love Forever Changes … Brian Eno for his innovation… Brian Wilson for his sense of harmony.
Víctor: Brian Wilson and George Harrison, both for obvious reasons… and Fred Cornog (East River Pipe) for his lack of ego. All of them are amazing songwriters that made me cry with emotion a lot of times.
4. How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact you and your music?
Marc: It put a glitch in touring but gave the world a pause to regroup and be more creative.
Víctor: It kept me more creative than ever.
5. What do you most enjoy about being associated with The IPO Festival/CD?
Marc: Being a part of that community is always inspiring!
Víctor: I love everything about it! It is indeed a commendable effort to help independent artists from all over the world.
6. Where can people who love your song on the IPO CD go to get more of your music and/or find out when and where you’re playing?
www.marcjonson.com
https://www.facebook.com/ramirezbuenaspulgas
www.ramirezexposure.bandcamp.com
hurrahmusica.bandcamp.com
Featured IPO CD Artist: James Booth & The Return
IPO Vol. 23 CD Song: “Stardeath”
1. What was the reason you chose the song you did for the IPO CD?
“Stardeath” was, I feel, the most obvious candidate for this edition of IPO because of the influences it wears on its sleeve. The lush and sparkling instrumentation betrays the lyrics within, a bitter tale of betrayal and ruined friendship.
2. Please describe that pivotal moment when you first realized you wanted to create music or become a band.
I’ve been singing since I was three years old, but my interest in Rock music really began with the discovery of The Beatles. This was basically the metaphorical “gateway drug” to the waiting universe of Rock & Roll.
3. Which other artists (living or dead) do you admire most and why?
Again, The Beatles. Even now, after all these years, I am still in awe of their musicality and creativity, both as a group and individually.
4. How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact you and your music?
It interrupted the recording of our album and pretty much destroyed the roll we were on in terms of shows. Even now, we’re still trying to get back to the pace we were on.
5. What do you most enjoy about being associated with The IPO Festival/CD?
Being counted among so many artists with similar temperaments is a joy and a validation.
6. Where can people who love your song on the IPO CD go to get more of your music and/or find out when and where you’re playing?
They can follow us on our facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/JamesBoothAndTheReturn), our main hub of activity.