interview
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artist:
by:
Andrew Ellis
date:
2005-11-18
Anyone who has been to Australia will tell you that its one of the most beautiful countries on earth, with stunning beaches, great cities and perfect weather. But singer-songwriter Kai Brown had to take the tough decision to leave all this behind - and his former band, the Tommy Flowers - and head Stateside to pursue a dream.
Armed with only his guitar, he hooked up with producer and former Jackopierce frontman Cary Pierce, wrote some songs and recorded the album "Better Now". In this interview with Melodic.net, Kai talks about all things from having members of Vertical Horizon play on his album to the traffic in LA!
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Congratulations on Better Now, I really enjoyed listening to it. How happy are you to have this record released and gaining positive exposure?
: Oh man, I cant describe how fortunate I feel to have accomplished this part of my dream AND to be receiving positive exposure. Words cannot describe how happy I am.
You know how everyone has those ?to do? lists of things they want to accomplish in their life, well, now I finally get to check one thing off my list and it is the biggest thrill in the world. That is how happy I am.
I suppose seeing your album out in the States is the realization of a dream for you, after leaving Australia to pursue your music in the US?
: I said it above and you are right, it really is the realization of a dream. I have had this dream for many years, of recording and releasing an album in America. The day it happened it all seemed surreal. There are just no words to describe working for so long to accomplish something and then it actually happens.
That must have been a hard decision to make, to leave Tommy Flowers. What was it that made you decide to relocate?
: When you have five guys in a band, all at different phases in their lives, it makes it hard to all pack your bags and move halfway around the world. I knew this was my dream, and
I wanted to follow through with it 100%.
I don?t know too much about the Australian music scene, but I know of bands like Taxiride and Motor Ace, and I actually think your music would be successful in Australia because of its melodic qualities. Do you intend to build on your success in the States back home?
: I would absolutely love to tour again in Australia though at this stage I am focusing on my career in the US.
You hooked up with Cary Pierce when you came over to produce your record. How did you hook up with him?
: I was looking for a producer at the independent level and someone who really cared about crafting songs. After hearing Graham Coltons record that Cary produced, I contacted Cary. After sending Cary demos and developing a relationship with him over several months, he agreed to produce the album.
I can see why you chose him to produce as he makes great-sounding records. What was it like working with him on the album?
: It was a fantastic experience. We really worked hard on the songs and Cary demanded a lot out of me as a writer, a guitarist and a vocalist.
Did you do a lot of co-writing with him?
: Yes. Every song was a co-write. Cary was able to take my ideas and develop them into what I envisioned. He has a great ear for melody.
Working with all the guests on the album must have been amazing as well. What was the highlight of the sessions?
: I remember walking in the first day that the guys from Vertical were there and I knew they had heard my rough cuts only once or twice. We got ready and went in to record and they just nailed the exact sound I was looking for. It was almost unbelievable, to be surrounded by players like that.
What are your favorite tracks on Better Now and why?
: I love ?The Pain? for its energy. I love ?Money and Love? for the songwriting and I love ?Everyday? for its simplicity.
What influences your songwriting?
: I am influenced by everyday experiences. I try to write songs that tell a story or relate to human nature.
Who are your musical heroes?
: Neil Young, Counting Crows, Tom Petty, John Mayer, John Mellencamp, The Band, Rob Thomas, Ryan Adams, Keith Urban.
Are you touring in support of the record?
: Yep! I am touring nationally across America. Please check out my website for the dates (www.kaibrownmusic.com). Im touring with some great American artists like Creede Williams and Shawn Brown - and having the time of my life!
It?s interesting that you decided to set up a base in San Diego. Was it a conscious decision to avoid LA?
: Ha! It wasnt a conscious decision although now that I travel to L.A. quite frequently, I am happy I am in San Diego. The traffic is definitely less violent down here!
Is it your goal to tie up a major label deal or are you happy making great music independently?
: Its definitely a goal to sign a major label deal in the future, but it would have to be the right deal for me. Until then, I am very happy making music independently.
2005 has been a good year for you, what do you expect 2006 will hold for you?
: I just want to continue my touring schedule and continue to promote the album. Hopefully towards the end of next year I can start working on the next record. Life is good. Life is good.
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Did you know that?
DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL´s Chris Carrabba once played in a band called Vacant Andy´s.
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