 
Published: March 09, 2008 2:01 PM EST
By: Isaac Joseph Davis Junior
(Juniorscave.com)
|
| |
 | |
|
Dan Weintraub
| |
Check out Junior’s Cave newest interview with musician Dan Weintraub.
Isaac-Joseph: Briefly describe how you entered into the music industry.
Dan: I played folk coffeehouses in Boston, MA in the 1980s. I picked up the guitar while a sophomore in college. I was a Deadhead (it's true) and wanted to strum along to a few of my favorite tunes. Soon thereafter, a few friends formed a 60s cover band and I sang lead and played guitar. I was off and rolling. I quickly discovered that making music came pretty naturally to me. Within two years I was warming for Tracy Chapman at folk coffeehouses and playing for big audiences at political rallies.
Then came the 20 year "real" job interlude: I was a high school history teacher & principal for a while. (Loved teaching; Hated being a principal). I made some money, raised a family and played the game. I always, however, yearned to get back to the music. Well, when I hit my 40s I couldn't hold it back any longer. I bagged my career in education and, as of last year, began the career I never had---but always wanted---as a gigging, touring, recording, musician. As of this moment, I am at the very incipience of this venture. I play at local clubs in NH and VT, sell homemade CDs on CDBABY (sell is not the best word: house might be better), and write songs like they're pouring out of my soul. I have penned over 40 songs since Halloween. My songs are getting a good deal of positive attention, though most are still un-mastered, rough sketches. THREE of my songs have been produced and can be heard on my MySpace page. I can't wait to do more!
Isaac-Joseph: What is the most rewarding aspect to making music currently
for you?
Dan: The songs that I am writing really speak to the truth of who I am, and how I see the world. People are responding positively to my writing, even though the stuff can be pretty dark and depressing.
Isaac-Joseph: What has discouraged you the most about making music?
Dan: Honestly, I’m having a blast. Having taken 20 years off from this thing and just getting back into it last year, I’m still pretty optimistic…talk to me in a couple of years when I’m broke and no one is buying my music.
Isaac-Joseph: Do you have a personal philosophy about music? If so, what
is it?
Dan: I have to write songs that speak to my truths. When I try to write songs that are false or artificial, they are really bad.
Isaac-Joseph: When you are performing live in front of an audience, what
are the thoughts that are running through your head?
Dan: It can vary. I play at a lot of bars. It’s fun to watch and listen to the drunken people as they try to impress and court each other. I am usually pretty involved in playing my music, but some songs are so 2nd nature that it gives me a chance to watch the goings on.
Isaac-Joseph: Why is being an independent musician important to you?
Dan: I guess a lot of artists, those who have been struggling and toiling in this industry for a long time---well, they want to have control over their art. To be true, I’m really a newcomer, so I am just uncovering many of the nuances of this industry. I guess that’s a longwinded way of saying I’m not sure.
Isaac-Joseph: Do you think the Internet has altered the path of music as
an industry? If so, how?
Dan: Completely. When I was growing up in the 1970s and 1980s, bands made albums for a handful of labels. Now with the www the music industry is in a state of utter flux. It’s kind of cool, really. In the 1960s, people hanging out in The Haight didn’t necessarily ponder that they were part of a social revolution that, in the future, would be the envy of generations of youth. I think that the Internet age is similar…we have no idea how people will look back in 10-20 years and say ‘wow, those were the days of the Indie music revolution’…
Isaac-Joseph: Any advice for other musicians out there when it comes to
using the Internet as a medium for getting their music heard to the masses?
Dan: Like I said, I’m pretty green myself.
Isaac-Joseph: What kind of recording software do you use?
Dan: ProTools
Isaac-Joseph: I know that everybody has his or her idea of a dream artist,
someone who for whatever reasons that person would just love to listen to and admire. As an entertainer yourself, if you could play with one of your
"dream" musicians, anyone at all, who would it be and why?
Dan: Tough question…I guess I’d have to say Elvis Costello. His song writing and composition always blows me away. He also seems to have a great sense of humor and irony.
Isaac-Joseph: What are you hoping to gain from your experience of being a
musician and making music?
Dan: Honestly, I just want to experience this new career as deeply as is possible. I’ve been waiting to do this for 25 years. I want to soak it in and not miss a drop!
Isaac-Joseph: What are you hopes for your music in the year 2008?
Dan: I’d like my stuff to catch on, get some positive press. I want to play a few venues out of my local area. Maybe play a festival somewhere…”another Festival miracle!!!”
Isaac-Joseph: This is our Shout Out time. Please give props to anyone and
everyone that matters the most to you.
Dan: I’m a family man. Hannah, Eli and Mica are the center of my universe.
Isaac-Joseph: This is Shameless Plug time: Give us some updates on new
releases and other projects in the works.
Dan: So, I just finished recording my new EP entitled MALIBU COCKTAIL at Satellite Park Studios. I worked with some amazing folks, including Geza X (Dead Kennedys producer), Paul Roessler (The Screamers, Josie Cotton), Abby Travis (Bangles, KMFDM, Meat Puppets), Marcus Watkins (311) and Jeff Mince (Nina Hagen). It was an extraordinary experience…and the EP rocks! Check it out: http://myspace.com/danweintraub
Isaac-Joseph: Final Thoughts:
Dan: Just thanks for reading and please check out my music!
MySpace Account
http://myspace.com/danweintraub
Dan Weintraub
| 
