How long have you been writing songs and playing guitar?
I've been trying to play guitar since Grade 10 (or "Tenth Grade" for the Americans). I just started taking lessons for the first time this week of Jan. 14. It's true. So let's see, that's ....um seven years of playing, and one lesson so far. I've been writing music since I was seven, but I only started writing lyrics in 1994 or so.
What is More Than I Can See about?
"More Than I Can See" is a story that I took from the bible about one of Jesus' friends Mary Magdalene. According to most people she was a prostitute, and the fact that Jesus wouldn't reject her as a friend upset all of the religious leaders of her day (30 AD). Jesus was like that. He loved people for who they were. He didn't try to force anyone to believe him, he just quietly made his point, and let the people decide what they would believe. The song is about that part of all of us that tells us that there must be something more to life than working a job you hate until you retire. I'm sure you know the feeling. Everyone has a sense that they were meant to do great things. I believe that this sense is part of our need to know that there is a God, and that he cares for each of us. There is more to life than we know.
Whats the best part about being in Sweetsalt?
Good buds, good times, and doin' what I love for a living.
What has been your coolest experience so far
being with Sweetsalt?
Getting to share the most exciting two years of my life with my two best friends, doing what I love. Also getting to meet wonderful new people all of the time.
If you could spend one day with someone dead or
alive, who would it be and why?
Bono. I have always been a huge U2 fan, and I get this sense that Bono and I might be a lot alike. He has this way of (almost) always saying something poignant when the tape is rolling. I admire that, and I respect that. He also struggles openly with his faith. He doesn't hide it. That takes courage and honesty.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I will be old, and fat, and I will live on a small island in the pacific with my pet monkey Mister Hewson.... maybe not.
What did you do when you heard Camelot on
Dawson's Creek?
I listened to hear if I was singing on pitch, and I wished they would be quiet so I could hear. I have no idea what the conversation was about. Can anyone fill me in?
Whose your favorite Dawson's Creek girl, Joey,
Jenn or Andy?
Sam said Joey, so I should pick someone else...but I guess if I'm gonna be honest...it's still Joey. Quiet. Confident.
Do you think you'll be producing most of Sweetsalts future albums?
Yes and no. Not alone in any case, at least for a while. We are committed to making sure that this new album will "kick the bum of" the last album. (That's the nice way to say it.) Having a really good producer that we trust will free me up to do what I do best: write, play and sing.
How do you do that crazy body waving thing when you perform?
It involves a complex series of motors, braces and struts that I wear under my clothing. The Sam has a remote, and he actually controls my body movements from behind the drum kit. Okay, now for the true and boring answer: I do not know how or why. It just happens.
Have you ever taken vocal/singing lessons?
Yes. Three years of training, and seven years in choirs and ensembles.
What is your favorite food? (Joanna)
I love korean food, but there really isn't any food that I don't like except maybe pumpkin pie, and really sweet stuff.
Have you ever grabbed Jareds butt? (Joanna)
Yes and that fact makes me proud.
Who is your favorite band, and have they influenced you? (Jill)
I have a lot of favorite bands. U2, Counting Crows, Radiohead, The Moffatts, Dream Theater, etc. They all find a little spot in my writing style. I love what they do with sounds, and I try to incorporate some of their ideas into the music that I write. They keep me from staying too comfortable with my own style.
What do you think of Napster and your music being on there? (Clint)
Napster, from a business point of view, is a form of copyright infringement, but as an artist I'm glad that the music is availible to everyone who wants it. I love finding out that someone downloaded a song and fell in love with it. There is nothing more satisying for me as a writer. With all of this said, I would hate to see people downloading the whole album if they could afford to buy it. We need to put food on our tables too. Thanks. :)
