Music Interview with Alan Curtis



September 2009 Edition

By: Isaac Joseph Davis Jr., BGS, MBA

Alan Curtis is a master of songwriting and king of mesmerizing and beautiful lyrics that become his best trademarks. He has a familiar sound that fans can relate to; yet, he adds a touch of his own personal flavor into his music fans will find refreshing and fun when they pick of his album. He pours his heart and soul into his music, and this certainly comes through when one listens to Alan’s songs. In this spotlight with the artist, Alan speaks candidly about his music and the path he is taking in life. Enjoy!

Isaac: We'd love to know about your inspirations growing up. I hear so many influences in your music. How old were you when you first discovered music?

Alan: Music was around the house for as long as I can remember. My Mom was a huge Beatles fan, so they were constantly on the stereo when I was very young.

Is there any kind of musical history in your family?

Alan: I had two uncles. One was a DJ and had an unbelievable record collection. His brother was a very famous opera voice instructor.

Isaac: Cool!

Isaac: What drew you to pick up an instrument in the first place?

Alan: Having music around all the time had me itching to play.

Isaac: As you hit your teenage years, did you know that this was what you would be doing for the rest of your life?

Alan: As a teenager, my father always let me know that music was no way to make a living. Unfortunately, I believed him and quit music at 22, worked a dead end job for 15 years before I took it up again. The good side is it gave me a whole ton of life experiences to write about.

Isaac: Is there a performer in any genre of pop culture that you would like to work with?

Alan: Elvis Costello is an absolute genius in my mind. Just to get to talk to him and try to get a glimpse of his great musical mind would be an absolute thrill.

Isaac: Who are some musicians that you really like, present or past?

Alan: Elvis Costello, the Beatles, Jeff Lynne, Chris Cornell, Alex Harvey, Alex Turner, and Rob Halford.

Isaac: What is your ultimate goal with your music career?

Alan: Get my music out to people and hopefully strike a chord. Have them [fans] see something of themselves in my songs; make a connection. I love performing live and seeing the people getting into what we are doing.

Isaac: What has been some of the obstacles it has taken to get this far in your career?

Alan: Mostly the late start. As someone on the 'wrong" side of 40, it is hard to get industry attention because it is no almost as much about what you look like than what you sound like. The great pop songs of yesterday have fallen by the wayside.

Isaac: Would you recommend this "field" to others who are aspiring to be musicians like you?

Alan: Absolutely. Write and sing from the heart. If you reach one person, then it is worth it. Even if you are that one person.

Isaac: Describe one piece of advice you've have been given to by others in the music industry. Never give up.

Isaac: What genre of music do you consider most of your music?

Alan: Pop/Rock. I am a bit all over the map. But mostly pop with a little bit harder stuff creeping in sometimes. I am not a huge country fan but when I released the "More Than I Can Be" album a friend of mine said "wow, I never thought you would write a country song”, referring to “I Wanted To Write You A Love Song”. I never really thought of it as a country song but after he said it I could see why he would think that.

Isaac: What has been your favorite piece of work?

Alan: Either "More Than I Can Be", because it just seemed to write itself and Lisanne Lambert played it so beautifully on the album, or "Ten In Heaven". It was the first song of mine I ever heard on the radio and that kind of blew me away.

Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?

Alan: You can sample my stuff at www.myspace.com/alancurtis11 and buy it on iTunes or CDBaby.

Isaac: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?

Alan: My family has been very supportive and I would LOVE to thank someone for financial support but no one has qualified for that yet.

Isaac: Any last words?

Alan: I can't imagine what life would be like with no music. I am very humbled whenever someone buys, listens to, or plays any of my songs. It is very rewarding to know that people like what I create.