Tag Archives: songwriter

Sporkette

Mike Gonzalez Interview Excerpts

May 19, 2011 – 10:16 am

Mike Gonzalez Michael Gonzalez Interview first published online at SporkBinge in 2010.

Michael Gonzalez (a.k.a. MIkE kING Acoustic and most recently, Mike Acoustic) is a Christian musician, who is a rhythm guitarist, vocalist and songwriter. He has sung and played a wide range of musical styles, with more than ten groups over twenty years. Currently, Michael – based in Tyler, Texas – appears in at least twenty venues in the North and East Texas areas, and is willing to travel about anywhere to perform. As an “unplugged acoustic balladeer“, his repertoire includes over 500 cover songs from the 1930′s to present day, in a variety of genres, such as Blues, Country, Pop, Jazz and Rock. Michael seeks to record over 60 of his original songs, some of which he plays and sings at his shows. Generally, Michael performs as a solo artist, but is open to auditioning possible band mates for future gigs.

More Interview Excerpts:

SPORKETTE: Why are you known as “MIkE kING”…and why the mixed upper and lower case letters for the spelling of that name?

MICHAEL GONZALEZ: I have performed live music for over 20 years and my stage names have changed time and again. My birth name is Michael (no middle name) Gonzalez, and I was born in Kingsville TX, meaning ‘Village of Kings’. My friend, Kody, around 1998 or so, helped me decide on MIKE KING. It’s a play on words. He said it stood for ‘microphone king‘ and I said it stood for ‘mic’ing‘, or often spelled ‘miking’, which defines the adding of a microphone to an instrument. After believing the Christian Gospel, I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ in 2000 and decided to change the ‘k’s’ in MIKE KING to lower case, pointing out that Christ is the only KING, capital ‘K’. I have since changed the name to MIkE kING Acoustic.

SPORKETTE: Why, since you write original songs, do you mainly perform cover songs?

MICHAEL GONZALEZ: I do perform my own originals, occasionally announcing them; however, I watch someone play their own songs and am able to cover them after a couple times of hearing it, and sometimes, only after a few minutes. I want to give people what they are familiar with and blend this with my own originals. This helps me cultivate my composing and performing ability and I believe it keeps me distinctly relevant at the same time. I stay versatile while preparing to professionally record Rock, Blues and Folk-style ballads. I have many rough draft recordings of about 70 songs and want to record some of the most popular songs that my friends and family have especially liked.

SPORKETTE: What do you hope to accomplish as a Christian songwriter?

MICHAEL GONZALEZ: I want to glorify God. I am looking forward to being an instrument in His work…and will. I want people to also help me accomplish this by listening to the music and being changed along with me. I see that God knows my music and inspires me; therefore, my deepest joy is His pleasure, His approval. I understand there is classification, but I say there is no such thing as ‘Christian music’. I understand what people mean by saying that there is, but, no, I believe it’s people who will surrender themselves to Him and the music gets to follow. I see music as a tool, something tangible and directly finite…indirectly infinite; however, people are indirectly finite and directly infinite creatures made in His image. Music can be a vehicle in guiding or diverting people from the true message of life. I want to compel, rather than repel, for the glory of God.

SPORKETTE: Which one of your original Christian songs delivers the most important message in your mission work as a Christian artist, and what is that message?

MICHAEL GONZALEZ: The song is titled, ‘Make My Heart Sing’. It is difficult for me, definitely a challenge vocally. It was written at a time where a small discipleship class I had spearheaded for two years was to go out on the streets of a Blues festival downtown. We had several struggles that day…and with the song being written in that setting, I regained direction by focusing on God and some of His attributes. The song conveys my deep reliance upon God and how in His will He shapes, fills and moves those according to His purpose.

SPORKETTE: What advice might you provide to a budding Christian music artist?

MICHAEL GONZALEZ: A whole lot!

  • Love the people while there is time!
  • Pursue a deep joy instead of a surface happiness. (The contrast is that happiness is often based on what ‘happens’  to   you…and it comes and goes with circumstances; but true joy remains with you no matter what happens to you. Have lots of joy! There’s too much to have and much to be joyful about!)
  • Be ready! (A budding Christian musician to me is suspect until proven guilty. Originally, to be called ‘Christian’ was an accusation. People were accused of following Jesus Christ because of their actions and lifestyles. We must acknowledge our sinfulness, submit to Him and keep our eyes on Christ. We get to be personally creative and be instrumental in God’s work, reaching our generation living out the words we sing and write. Let’s do just that!)
  • Know the culture we live in, but always be Biblical. (Don’t ever ‘check’ your heart, mind or soul ‘at the door’; surrender these to and love God with all you are and what you become.)
  • Study the Bible to know how to write and read the four Gospels, Ecclesiastes, Psalms and Proverbs…regularly. (You’ll never run out of things to do, nor find boredom producing fruits of righteousness.)

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Mike King Acoustic

Michael Gonzalez
(a.k.a. Mike King Acoustic)

Listen to Mike Acoustic soundtracks.

Join Mike Acoustic Music!

Visit Mike Acoustic artist page.

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Sporkette

Kristen Chalk Interview Excerpts

April 16, 2011 – 12:02 pm

Kristen Chalk Kristen Chalk Interview first published online at SporkBinge, March 19, 2010.

Interview Excerpts:

Kristen Chalk is a vocalist, songwriter and acoustic guitarist. She began her musical career as a pianist, sometimes playing at a church in Big Sandy, Texas. Songwriting interest later led her to learn the guitar. While attending college in Nachogdoches, she was exposed to ‘Texas Country‘ music and writes some original lyrics for that genre. She sang and played her guitar in public for the first time in August 2009. Kristen believes that “Performing that night was the spark she needed to start a career in music.” … she can be found singing and strumming at various venues in Northeast Texas as a solo Texas Country artist.

More Kristen Chalk Interview Excerpts:

SPORKETTE: How hard was it to learn finger-picking, and why do you prefer that style rather than just playing rhythm?

KRISTEN CHALK: Finger-picking was no easy mountain to climb, but I admire several musicians that have that playing style and wanted to play like that myself. I remember sitting in my dorm room with my guitar in hand for six hours at a time practicing, trying to learn that style. It took about four months before I was decent at it.

Of course, when I started out playing, I was all about that style…but recently, like in my song ‘The Storm‘,  I’ve been playing a lot more rhythm. I love both playing styles and incorporate them both in my music.

(UPDATE 5/27/12: Video no longer available online.)

SPORKETTE: Why are you enthralled with country music?

KRISTEN CHALK: My interest in country music began with George Strait; I would listen to his songs all day long. I love his style, lyrics and passion for music.

Years went by…I found Texas Country and fell even more in love with the music. Texas Country artists write and sing songs that are real and from the heart…songs that are full of passion and I can relate to.

It’s hard to put it into words, but I think Chris Cagle says it best with his song ‘My Life’s Been a Country Song.’ Sometimes I feel like my life is nothing but country song.

SPORKETTE: In your opinion, what is your best song and why do you think so?

KRISTEN CHALK: I’d say it’s a tie between ‘Time‘ and ‘Fly Away’.

‘Time‘ is one of those songs that makes you want to get up, grab a partner and dance the night away. Every time I play that song, the heads in the crowd start to rockin’. It’s a song you can really get into.

As for ‘Fly Away‘, it’s a sweet love song that anyone who has been in love can relate to. It’s also a great song to dance to, but the lyrics are what make this song; it’s heartwarming and heartfelt.

SPORKETTE: Your custom guitar strap has a cross and your last name on it, so why the cross?

KRISTEN CHALK: It has a pretty deep meaning to me, but basically music is a gift that God blessed me with. Since I’m blessed with this gift, I feel like it’s something I should never give up on. The cross is a reminder that no matter how good or bad life is going, I should always be grateful for my blessings, such as my music.

SPORKETTE: Why do you think your voice, style and personality set you apart from other Texas Country artists?

KRISTEN CHALK: I feel that my voice and sound of my music is unique, as I said before. It’s a soulful country sound. My writing and playing style is also different; my songs have a certain feel to them that sets it apart from others.

As for my personality, I’m just a crazy small town kid with a love for country music.

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Kristen Chalk 2
KRISTEN CHALK
Solo Texas Country Artist

Listen to More Soundtracks at Kristen’s Artist Page.

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Sporkette

Stephen Lesh Interview Excerpts

March 11, 2011 – 9:20 am

Stephen Lesh Stephen Lesh Interview first published at SporkBinge – April 27, 2010.

Update 4/30/11: Rikki [Erica Doyen] has replaced Krista as female lead vocalist for Heartline.

Stephen Lesh Interview Excerpts:

Stephen Lesh (aka ‘The Flash‘) is a lead guitarist, keyboardist, vocalist and songwriter. Influenced by Lita Ford, Vixen, Heart and other notable musicians and bands, Stephen has honed his skills and played his due in several musical groups. In March 2008, Stephen founded his own band – Heartline.

Consisting of three band members, Heartline plays an 80’s sound mixed with ‘hair metal’. Stephen produces the “upbeat and melodic” Texas band and is currently planning and recording for a full-length album. Not having many venues in Palestine, Heartline mainly performs at parties and festivals, and is becoming more popular as time passes.

More Interview Excerpts:

SPORKETTE: What instrument are you most proficient at playing, electric guitar or the keyboard; and which do you prefer playing as a band member, and why?

STEPHEN LESH: Well, I’m primarily a guitarist…it’s a passion. My playing is how I communicate my emotions. I couldn’t step on stage without a guitar.

As for keys, I like to use synths [synthesizers] for background chords. They really fill in and add dimension to a song.

SPORKETTE: How did the ‘Heartline’ band name originate?

STEPHEN LESH: Well, it’s a long story. But this is the short version. It’s just something I came up with back when I first started playing. I just never used it ’till we started this group.

SPORKETTE: Why are you known as ‘The Flash‘?

STEPHEN LESH: My father started calling me that when I was a kid. I was fast at everything. The name just stuck. My dad passed away when I was 17. He never got to hear me play. Now I use the Flash as my stage name.

SPORKETTE: Heartline’s sound is described as ‘80’s hair metal’ – what exactly do you mean by that description (without naming bands of similar style)?

STEPHEN LESH: That’s a tough one. I grew up with that music. And it’s what influences my music. I hate being labeled, but if you tell people you play rock…well…that can mean a lot of things. We never called it ‘Hair Metal‘ then, it was ‘Rock’ or ‘Meta‘ or ‘Glam‘. Our music is more like that. It’s basically ‘Pre-Grunge Era Rock‘.

SPORKETTE: When do you expect your label – ‘Lesh Records‘ – to produce Heartline’s first album on CD?

STEPHEN LESH: Being self-produced has its ups and downs. But, you have complete control over your music. It’s working full-time jobs that slow us down. We do have some basic tracks down and we work on it when we can. I hope to have a master by the end of this summer; although, recent sessions have moved us up a little sooner.

SPORKETTE: As a songwriter, what do you consider your best Heartline song, and why?

STEPHEN LESH: That changes ever day; but right now, it would have to be ‘Give Me Wings‘…because it has everything a Heartline song should have.

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The Flash Stephen Lesh
Stephen Lesh – The Flash
Lead Guitar, Keyboard, Vocals and Songwriter

Lesh Records Listen to Heartline soundtracks.

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Roger Cowan Interview Excerpts

January 2, 2011 – 4:15 pm

Roger Cowan Roger Cowan Interview first published online at SporkBinge, January 24, 2010.

Roger Cowan Interview Excerpts:

Roger Cowan is a vocalist, songwriter and acoustic rhythm guitarist. Growing up, Roger’s interests leaned toward reading, writing poetry and listening to music. About music, he states: “I love everything from Texas music, heavy metal and bluegrass to classical music, like Mozart and Beethoven.”

More Roger Cowan Interview Excerpts:

SPORKETTE: Why the name Roger Cowan Band, when all your soundtracks are solo artist?

ROGER COWAN: LOL! Call it ‘planning ahead‘. When I created my online artist page, I never thought it would take so long to find some players. I have been fortunate enough to play with a lot of great people around the Texas music scene, but finding that special magic (that I feel there has to be) is harder than many think. I labeled the tracks with the ‘band‘ tag without thinking honestly. It became a habit. Just call me the ‘one man band‘!

SPORKETTE: Why did a friend and you start the booking agency Texas Most Wanted Entertainment?

ROGER COWAN: Well, through my own playing of shows, and friends we knew around the scene, we made contacts that some other artists might not be able to make…just a whole ‘circle of friends‘ thing. So, we had the idea that perhaps we could help them by opening up our resources to benefit both the artists and the venues…give others chances they may not have happened across alone. It’s all about being one big extended family.

Take today, for instance. I stopped by a radio station and talked to the station manager about getting a friend’s band on the air. Since I don’t have a full-band CD ready, and most stations won’t play acoustic music, I figured I might as well help my friends get their songs on the air and just get my name on the station’s mind while I’m at it. If more musicians would help each other, rather than look at the music business as a competition, I think we could elevate the scene to a greater level in the long run.

SPORKETTE: In your song ‘What Heroes Do,’ why do you relate so strongly to the line about being a ‘new outlaw for a new generation‘?

ROGER COWAN: Every young person rebels against authority at some point, in some way. My parents grew up on guys like Waylon, Hank, and others who walked their own path. They were willing to stand up for what they believed and weren’t afraid to speak their mind. Nowadays, it seems everyone is afraid of being politically incorrect and being ‘different‘. I just finished a song called ‘American Dream‘…about just that. Everyone has to have their little white picket fence, 2.5 kids and a dog. ‘New outlaw for a new generation‘ just kind of makes the statement that I refuse to follow the norm.

I refuse to go with the Nashville cookie-cutter image. I am my own man, I sing my own songs, and I walk my own path. Who knows? Maybe some day it will lead me down a path of no return. Or maybe, some years down the road, everyone else will go insane because they can’t take anymore of the whole ‘keeping up with the Jones‘  mentality. Who cares what the Jones family has?

Life is not about possessions and getting ahead. Life is about the moment we are in now. Live your life like you want to. Be free. The new generation needs a champion to tell the establishment to get bent, to put it bluntly, and I am more than happy to be that guy.

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Roger Cowan 2
ROGER COWAN

Singer, Songwriter & Rhythm Guitarist

Listen to Roger Cowan Soundtracks.

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Sporkette

Chris Edwards Interview Excerpts

November 29, 2010 – 8:46 am

Chris Edwards Chris Edwards Interview first published online at SporkBinge, November 30, 2009.

Interview Excerpts:

Chris Edwards is a singer and songwriter – a ‘Texas folk artist’. Growing up in East Texas around old-time string-band music and bluegrass that his grandparents loved to listen to and play led Chris’ to playing the guitar, mandolin, harmonica and several percussion instruments.

As a teenager, Chris got into rock and roll, particularly punk and the then nascent ‘grunge‘ rock. It wasn’t until he was living in Nacogdoches to attend college at Stephen F. Austin University that Chris rediscovered acoustic folk and old-time country music, mostly through local musician buddies.

That’s when he began writing songs and playing at open mike nights around town. But it wasn’t until the last couple of years that Chris really became serious about songwriting and honing his act as a performer.

The boyishly handsome songwriter honed in on a sound that blends the old-timey picking style he grew up listening to with a bit of blues and edgy lyrics that smack of blue-collar strife and ennui.

In 2008, Chris Edwards signed with a European label that released his home-recorded ‘first’ album “Long Hard Ride,” which he claims to be “lo-fi alternative country/folk”. The album has drawn some attention in Americana songwriting circles and among European folk fans.

More Interview Excerpts:

Long Hard RideSPORKETTE: Why did you choose the photograph of a solitary acoustic guitar – upright and leaning in the corner of what appears to be an empty room – as the “Long Hard Ride” album cover?

CHRIS EDWARDS: I had taken that picture in an open, empty apartment that was next door to mine. I just thought it’d be a cool photo and had no intention, originally, of using it as the cover art. But when I was combing through tons of stock images and what-not, I went back to this pic, when I was just flipping through some of the random shots I’d taken with my then-new camera. I like the whole ‘lonesome troubadour‘ feel of the image. It seemed to really fit and speak a few words about the state of the singer/songwriter in today’s pop culture – that of a lonesome, archaic figure shoved to the side or pushed into the corner…and is given the once-over for the Kanyes and Nickelbacks of the world.

SPORKETTE: As a songwriter, what are “touchstone subjects” and why are you drawn to write lyrics about them?

CHRIS EDWARDS: Well, I tend to go for more of a universal appeal, over all, in my writing these days. When I first started out, I was writing a lot of ridiculous, wannabe-poetic lyrics that were more shadowy, vague and pretentious than anything. I was reading a lot of Faulkner and trying to do what he was doing with language, with lyrics, and falling flat on my face. It took a while to develop a valid voice as a songwriter.

I guess, for me, the touchstone subjects I really am drawn toward are love, loss and nature. I’m not very adept, socially, but I’m always taking notes on people…whether I’m at a bar or at the grocery store, I file away the odd phrase I hear in a passing conversation or the look I see on someone’s face. It’s all potential material. I’m also very fond of story songs. I haven’t written a lot of them, but I love crafting narratives in a song. It’s very challenging to me. That’s one of the things I respect the most about people – like Steve Earle and the late, great Townes Van Zandt – is their strengths as storytellers. I hope to be a better storyteller with my lyrics one day.

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Chris Edwards 2

Chris Edwards

Singer and songwriter based out of Nacogdoches, Texas. Besides being a Texas folk artist, open to engagements, Chris pitches his songs, so if seeking a performer or lyrics, be sure to visit his sites, listen to his tracks and feel free to contact him.

Check out Chris Edwards music and lyrics.

More Chris Edwards music and lyrics.

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Sporkette

Carter Bentley – Livestock

November 25, 2010 – 3:41 pm

Carter Bentley Carter Bentley Interview first published online in Sporkette Gazette – November 10, 2009 – Volume 4, Issue 12. Also, the interview was published online at SporkBinge, November 18, 2009. SporkBinge is devoted to Texas musicians.

Interview Excerpts:

Carter Bentley resides in Tyler, Texas, and is the rhythm guitarist for the East Texas band LIVESTOCK. He is also the band’s vocalist and songwriter…and driver of the Winnebago. Carter believe’s his band is “100% different, and not defined by any one “genre” of music” and feels their sound is “similar to Green Day meets ZZ Top“. He states, referring to Livestock, that the band is “not a country band,” but is “Hard Corn“.

Livestock mainly practices and records in Dallas, Texas. As for the band’s music, Carter states: “…some of the music may be unsuitable for small children and certain family functions. It is 100% politically incorrect, yet quite relevant in many ways.” (Carter is referring to songs, Livestock’s “Chlamydia“, which placed 26th in a www.OurStage.com competition. He feels “Chlamydia is one of the fastest spreading STDs in America and this song brings awareness in an entertaining way.“)

Carter Bentley’s biggest influence is Frank Zappa. His other interests include instrumental jazz, classical, reggae and old school punk. As for his songwriting, Carter states: “When I write music or lyrics, I don’t subscribe to any one genre, but ‘protest song’ is a good place to start. There’s plenty of inspiration and material to work with!” His major goal as a songwriter and musician is “…to have a message and not rely on mainstream commercial potential.”

Listen to one of my favorite songs by Livestock, entitled “Form One Line“:

More interview excerpts:

SPORKETTE: How did the band and band name “Livestock” originate?

CARTER BENTLEY: The name is ‘tongue in cheek’ description of the way that our mass of humanity is basically lumped together as one group. ‘Sheeple’ is so cliché…but I have this mental image of ‘cattle cars’ full of people…’livestock’…would live their very controlled lives being herded from here to there, always doing what they are told, eating what they are given, or allowed to graze on, and never really looking up to see what is happening.  It’s my overall perception of humanity.

SPORKETTE: As a songwriter, why do you lean toward writing radical, anti-government songs – protest songs, such as “Form One Line” and “Calling Wall Street“?

CARTER BENTLEY: I don’t consider myself ‘radical’ or ‘anti-government,’ but I am 100% opposed to government having too much of a role in the average citizen’s life. Government is good, as long as it is kept in check ‘by the people, for the people, and of the people‘. Our constitution allows for free speech, and that is what I am exercising. If that is ‘radical,’ then we are in way more trouble than I thought. I am only a messenger who wants to open eyes and ears to what is really happening in the USA. We are being driven into economic ruin, becoming a military police state and our constitution is being trampled on everyday.

The constitution does NOT give the federal government authority to dictate healthcare for me or my family. Yet, now they are trying to pass a massive healthcare ‘reform’ bill that NOT ONE person has read. The amount of apathy in our country is appalling…from voting to even basic understanding of how our government works, the lack of interest, and most importantly, the complete lack of any action is astonishing, and frightening. As Jefferson said, “it is not the evil that men do that is the most danger, it is the lack of good men willing to do anything about it”. When you watch Leno “Jay Walking” it truly is an accurate reflection of the state of America, and instead of anyone reacting, it is simply viewed as ‘entertainment’.

No, I am not radical or anti-government, but perhaps perceived as such by people who don’t know any better. I would prefer to be known as ‘pro-citizen’.

LivestockLIVESTOCK

Watch LIVESTOCK music videos!

Listen to LIVESTOCK soundtracks!

Listen to more LIVESTOCK soundtracks!

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