Music Now Spotlight

by Isaac Davis Junior, BGS, MBA    

Jesse Batiuk

Junior’s Cave Golden Isles Online Magazine’s newest music discussion comes from the Award Winning guitarist/songwriter/producer whose music plays throughout the airwaves worldwide. Jesse Batiuk brings to his fans years of experience that dates back to him playing the guitar for several bands. He released 3 solo instrumental albums, and won a 2009 AMMA for Best Instrumental to add to his resume. Today, this newsletter speaks candidly about the artist accomplishments in this special spotlight.

Isaac: It is an incredible time to be a DIY artist/performer/band/musician. What is the best part about being an indie performer?

Jesse: Hey Isaac, thanks for having me. You are right it is an incredible time to be a DIY artist. What I enjoy most is that I get to have more creative freedom.

Isaac: If an opportunity to sign with a major label exists, would you sign now knowing you may have to give up some of what you have built up over the years about you in the process?

Jesse: Yes. Everything is backwards now...it's like you have to make it first, then you get signed.

Jesse Batiuk

Isaac: Why should music fans listen to your music? Describe what they are going to achieve when they listen to your music?

Jesse: My music is remarkably versatile. Along with having released 3 solo instrumental albums, I've collaborated with vocalists from all different genres of music, including songs with pop vocalist Michelle Harding, rock/metal vocalist William Wolf, and rapper Curtis Flow, as you heard on my EPK.

Isaac: Briefly describe your humble beginnings that led to where you are at musically now.


Jesse Batiuk

Jesse: When I was a kid I grew up in a back country area of San Diego called Fallbrook. There were not many kids my age that lived near me, so until I was old enough to drive I would lock myself in my room and practice the guitar all day.

Isaac: I think you have some strong iconic influences. Of these influences, which artist/band do you relate to the most and why?

Jesse: Jimmy Page is my favorite because he is a guitarist who is also an excellent songwriter/producer, which is something I've always strived to be.

Isaac: Does indie music gets the respect it deserves? Why or why not?

Jesse: No, but it is getting more and more respect as time goes by someday it will.



Isaac: What is the one thing the music business needs to change?

Jesse: What bothers me the most and maybe it's just because I live in L.A., but you have a lot of pay to play venues and it's gotten to the point where cover bands make more money than creative bands here.

Isaac: Do you believe in the near future that DIY artists/bands will be the norm and successful record companies will be exceedingly limited?

Jesse: Yes, it's pretty much like that already.

Isaac: What kind of feed-backs have your music been receiving about your music from fans and music critics?

Jesse: Pretty much all positive, which is wonderful!

Isaac: If you knew that you would never reach fame and fortune with what you are doing now, would you continue to make music? Explain.

Jesse: Yes, because everyone needs a creative outlet, and music is mine. So it is something I'm gonna do the rest of my life whether I make it now or not.

Isaac: How do you handle negative feedback or negative energy about your music?

Jesse: Every reviewer has his or her own opinion, so as an artist you are always gonna have at least one person who doesn't like what you're doing.

Isaac: What role do your family and friends play in the equation of your pursuant of a music career?

Jesse: Everyone is real supportive.

Isaac: What are the best sites that you can be found on the Internet?

Jesse: iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, you name it. Just Google my name, I'm the only Jesse Batiuk that exists...at least on the Internet that is.

Official Links:
Jesse Batiuk
http://www.jessebatiuk.com
http://www.facebook.com/Jessebatiuk