Clouds Make Sounds
Junior's Cave Music Interview
with Clouds Make Sounds
Late Winter (January 2012) Edition
Music Now Spotlight
by Isaac Davis Junior, BGS, MBA
Clouds Make Sounds
Photo Credit: Christina Moliterno
Clouds Make Sounds are: Josh Hines, Deron Johnson, Joe Marchese, Jeff Mach, and Shannon Cantor.
Isaac: It’s an amazing time to be a DIY artist/performer/band/musician. What do you feel you contribute musically to the Indie Music Culture?
Josh: I think we contribute a sort of youthful freedom and passion for music. Also, we are all educated musicians who respect musical complexity. This combination makes for some very interesting and dramatic sounds that show our commitment to the music.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to sign with a major label, 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?
Josh: No, we wouldn't sign if that were the case. There are a lot of bands that are making it on their own these days and I don't think that any amount of money is worth our musical freedom.
Isaac: I remembered Simon Cowell from American Idol talking about the “it” Factor that makes a musician/band stand out. What do you think is your “it” factor that makes you stand out from others in the music business?
Josh: Though we are fairly young we are very committed to the music. I think our ability to create interesting and original music at such a young age is what will make us stand out in the music industry. We also take pride in our live performances which is something that young indie bands tend to lack.
Isaac: What do you think makes your band stand out from the rest of the musicians/artists out in the music industry?
Josh: Our music is powerful, emotional, and dramatic. All of our songs tell a story people can relate to.
Isaac: Do you feel you have given it your best when pursuing your musical dreams so far? Why or why not?
Josh: Personally, we are all pursuing music whole heartedly. We are planning on moving to a better location once Joe graduates from college. Jeff and I have already dropped out of college in order to work and save money for when the band moves.
Isaac: Who do you look up to for your own influences and why?
Josh: My biggest influence is Jeff Buckley. His ability to create beautiful melodies is something that I strive to emulate especially in my vocal performances.
Isaac: Do you feel that Indie music gets the respect it deserves? Why or why not?
Josh: I think indie music is beginning to make huge steps in the music industry. A lot of indie music is now even being recognized by hip hop artists such as Jay Z and Kanye West.
Isaac: If you could change one thing about the music business, what would it be and why?
Josh: I wish that the music business would start to recognize talented and original music instead of hiring cute kids and auto tuning everything they sing. The success of artists like Mumford & Sons and Esperanza Spalding is a step in the right direction for the music industry in my opinion.
Isaac: What has been one of your biggest setbacks and how did you overcome it? What lesson did you learn about yourself?
Josh: My biggest setback actually happened back in April 2011. I broke my left wrist skateboarding and it was difficult to play certain things on guitar. I took the time to learn how to write songs in different ways. Also, I've spent some time learning how to play Ukelele and lap steel.
This setback has taught me how valuable my hands are and that I really should take good care of myself so that I can pursue my dreams. I also learned that I can write music in many different ways and even if I couldn't play guitar it would not stop me from creating music.
Isaac: What type of feedbacks have you been receiving about your music from fans and music critics?
Josh: We have been getting extremely good feedback from our audiences. A lot of people have been coming to shows, bringing friends, and spreading the word. We have many dedicated fans and are supported heavily by people of all ages. Our publicity has been growing rapidly and it doesn't seem like it will be slowing down anytime soon.
Isaac: What has been one of your biggest setbacks and how did you overcome it? What lesson did you learn about yourself?
Josh: My biggest setback actually happened back in April 2011. I broke my left wrist skateboarding and it was difficult to play certain things on guitar. I took the time to learn how to write songs in different ways. Also, I've spent some time learning how to play Ukelele and lap steel.
This setback has taught me how valuable my hands are and that I really should take good care of myself so that I can pursue my dreams. I also learned that I can write music in many different ways and even if I couldn't play guitar it would not stop me from creating music.
Isaac: What type of feedbacks have you been receiving about your music from fans and music critics?
Josh: We have been getting extremely good feedback from our audiences. A lot of people have been coming to shows, bringing friends, and spreading the word. We have many dedicated fans and are supported heavily by people of all ages. Our publicity has been growing rapidly and it doesn't seem like it will be slowing down anytime soon.
Clouds Make Sounds
Artwork Credit: Aly Mitchell. Photo Credit: Cameron Goodworth
Isaac: If you knew that you would never gain fame and fortune with what you are doing now, would you continue to make music? Explain.
Josh: Fame, fortune, debt, or hardship we will continue to create music for the love of it and each other. I don't believe that anything could get in the way of our music or our friendship. If anything, fame and fortune will give us more incentive to write. Also, if we end up having money then we will be able to devote all of our time to writing.
Isaac: How do you handle negative feedback or negative energy about your music?
Josh: I can honestly say that the only negative feedback came from an old man with a hearing aid. We tend to play loud and sometimes people can't handle the balls.
Isaac: What role do your family and friends play in the equation of your quest of a music career?
Josh: All of our families and friends support our music and hope to see us achieve great success.
Isaac: What is the best site/s that you can be found on the Internet?
Josh: The best site would be www.cloudsmakesounds.com but we can also be found on YouTube, Facebook, MySpace, LastFM, iTunes, ReverbNation, Sonicbids, BandCamp, Twitter, and other music and social networking sites.
Isaac: The floor is yours; final words & wisdom of thoughts...
Josh: I would just like to thank you and Junior's Cave Online Magazine for conducting this interview and helping us promote our dreams.
Josh: Fame, fortune, debt, or hardship we will continue to create music for the love of it and each other. I don't believe that anything could get in the way of our music or our friendship. If anything, fame and fortune will give us more incentive to write. Also, if we end up having money then we will be able to devote all of our time to writing.
Isaac: How do you handle negative feedback or negative energy about your music?
Josh: I can honestly say that the only negative feedback came from an old man with a hearing aid. We tend to play loud and sometimes people can't handle the balls.
Isaac: What role do your family and friends play in the equation of your quest of a music career?
Josh: All of our families and friends support our music and hope to see us achieve great success.
Isaac: What is the best site/s that you can be found on the Internet?
Josh: The best site would be www.cloudsmakesounds.com but we can also be found on YouTube, Facebook, MySpace, LastFM, iTunes, ReverbNation, Sonicbids, BandCamp, Twitter, and other music and social networking sites.
Isaac: The floor is yours; final words & wisdom of thoughts...
Josh: I would just like to thank you and Junior's Cave Online Magazine for conducting this interview and helping us promote our dreams.







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