Published: April 05, 2008 11:24 AM EST
By: Isaac Joseph Davis Junior (Juniorscave.com)
Lee Penn Sky
Junior’s Cave would like to introduce to our online readers our newest sensational interview with an artist who has been described as “Counting Crows meets Greg Brown meets a milder, slightly more melodic and less manic version of Joe Cocker" to give you "Acoustic Soul." Singer/Songwriter Lee Penn Sky is certainly making music that will have his fans believing in him. With a sound that is distinctly his, Lee Penn Sky is a gem amongst the many jewels in the music industry. Check out this recent interview with the artist.
Isaac-Joseph: Briefly describe how you entered into the music industry.
Lee Penn Sky: In the early 90’s, when I was a student at the University of Michigan, I started a band with a good friend which was called Mr. Picassohead. I was the primary songwriter and bass player. We had some local success but nothing too big. After the inevitable demise of Mr. Picassohead, I continued to write songs but never stepped in front of the microphone myself; perhaps I was afraid of what people would think. Fast forward to January of 2001, I had moved out to Idaho after completing my Masters degree. I was driving on a remote highway on the Idaho-Utah border when I came across a rolled vehicle in the median of the highway. I stopped to help and was standing in the median trying to assist them when…wham! I got hit by another car… My leg was crushed and several years of surgeries and healing followed. Writing songs and playing guitar was one of my only outlets. After that, I lost my fear of what people would think about my songs or voice or guitar playing, It just didn’t matter to me anymore…. From that day, I began to play in front of anyone I could.
Isaac-Joseph: Truly inspirational story Lee. How do I go to my next question with an awesome response like that one? But, here is the next question anyways.
Isaac-Joseph: What is the most rewarding aspect to making music currently for you?
Lee Penn Sky: When a person is moved by a song of mine, I try to convey an emotion or mood in my music so when someone connects with that it is very rewarding.
Isaac-Joseph: What has discouraged you the most about making music?
Lee Penn Sky: I have run into plenty of “hypesters” who want to take advantage of your dream to make a buck…as the music industry changes people seem more desperate to sell the dream back to you.
Isaac-Joseph: Do you have a personal philosophy about music? If so, what is it?
Lee Penn Sky: To me, songwriting is a visual art as well as auditory. I am conveying imagery though words and music to create the picture in people’s heads. If you can do that, then they connect with the song and attach their pictures from their life to your words…your song become part of their lives.
Isaac-Joseph: When you are performing live in front of an audience, what are the thoughts that are running through you head?
Lee Penn Sky: When I’m really in the moment, I kind of wrap myself around my guitar and feel more then I think…when I’m only part way there, I am usually noticing things around me about the audience. It depends on the gig and the crowd… I tend to play solo a lot so it can be very lonely when the crowd is distracted - or feel very connected when the people are really attached to what you are doing.
Isaac-Joseph: Why is being an independent musician important to you?
Lee Penn Sky: I like to express myself my way. I write how I want to write. I have had “music insiders” tell me all kinds of crazy things from “we love your songs but hate your voice, so we want another person to sing them” to “ we love your voice but hate your songs, so sing our songs.” I have no problem “selling” my songs but I am who I am, I do what I do and like it that way.
Isaac-Joseph: Do you think the Internet has altered the path of music as an industry? If so, how?
Lee Penn Sky: Absolutely, anyone can sell to a worldwide market now. It is both great in that those who don’t fit the old industry mold can get out there but on the other hand there is so much music out there that it is hard to cut through.
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?
Lee Penn Sky: Not really other then put it out there, everywhere…I’m still trying to figure it out myself…anyone have any advice for me? Really, the one thing I would caution is if you can do something yourself, then do it, it gives you more control. That is what being an independent artist is all about.
Isaac-Joseph: What kind of recording software do you use?
Lee Penn Sky: In the studio I have used Protools, Sonar, and some others…Really I use whatever is in the studio I am working in. I don’t really have a home studio, I probably should.
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?
Lee Penn Sky: Out of all my musical heroes, if I had to choose just one it would probably be Steve Earle. First of all, he is a phenomenal musician - powerful, raw, just great stuff musically. More than anything though, I admire the positions he takes in his music. He doesn’t separate his politics from his music, he’s not afraid to say what he believes; now that is an independent artist. That is free expression.
Isaac-Joseph: What are you hoping to gain from your experience of being a musician and making music?
Lee Penn Sky: Just like everyone, I’d love to make a living doing what makes me happy, but I’d write music whether I made money or not so I guess I’ll go with world peace…yep that’s it, world peace.
Isaac-Joseph: Sounds good to me!
Isaac-Joseph: What are you hopes for your music in the year 2008?
Lee Penn Sky: Bigger and better gigs, playing and collaborating more often with people I love, for instance my best friend Alex Johnson, who was a finalist in last year’s national Guitar Center King of the Blues competition, and I have agreed to try to play some festivals this year. I’d like to go back in the studio and record another CD this year. (Any donors out there?) I intend to keep writing, playing and growing.
Isaac-Joseph: This is our Shout Out time. Please give props to anyone and everyone that matters the most to you.
Lee Penn Sky: My wife Kallie and daughter Parker of course are first on that list. Kallie has always been willing to make this trip with me. My parents and family have been a great source of inspiration. Thanks to Pete and Kathy, my in laws, who are great supporters of my dreams. John Cazan at Zaney Recording in Boise who produced my CD, Alex Johnson whom I earlier mentioned who owns and runs the Ann Arbor Music center. All the crew in Boise and anyone who has given my music a second listen…let alone the first.
Isaac-Joseph: This is Shameless Plug time: Give us some updates on new releases and other projects in the works.
Lee Penn Sky: Well, you should check out some recent recording I did in Nashville at www.myspace.com/leepennsky, and stop by my website www.leepennsky.com for updates. Plus, I would like for everyone out there reading this to check out my cd "Prelude to Hindsight" which is availible at cdbaby.com/leepennsky.
