Here’s our latest Reverbnation spotlight, we speak to Jay Arseno.
S] What, or who are your great musical inspirations?
J] “I actually take inspiration from just about every piece of music that I listen to, but I take most of my love and musical inspiration from a select few artists and bands in particular. The band Better Than Ezra definitely ranks at the top of my list for influence in my style of writing and sound Duncan Sheik is another huge source of writing inspiration for me. Other inspirations artists and bands for me include: Live, Cowboy Mouth, Vertical Horizon, Alanis Morissette, Matchbox 20, Tonic and Kelly Clarkson. There are countless others that I could list, but these are definitely at the top of my list.”
S] What about personally, what kinds of themes and ideas can inspire your songs?
J] “Inspiration comes in all shapes and forms for me, but I find myself mostly writing about my life experiences. Everything from love, sex, relationships, break ups, and everything that life throws at me and even at those who are close to me.”
S] What song that you are working on right now best defines your sound, and why?
J] “My upcoming new single, ‘Right Here’, is currently in the works and will be releasing soon as the kick off to my new album. It takes the next step from my debut album, ‘From The Ashes’, in getting to the heart of the matter, if you will. ‘From The Ashes’ is about going through the emotional fires of love and proudly bearing the wounds and battle scars. ‘Right Here’ has stripped down my sound to a more acoustic, deeper, emotionally charged sound that I’m certain everyone will love and appreciate.”
S] Do you have a message for any UK fans?
J] “Thank you for all your love, support, and for being awesome! I hope to get to know all of you better and that you all continue to enjoy the music!”
S] What can people expect from your live show?
J] “I like to bring the audience into the world of my songs by establishing and maintaining an emotional connection, emoting what the lyrics and music are all about. My goal is for people to leave my show with feelings of hope, inspiration, and a general good feeling.”
S] What are some of your biggest challenges right now?
J] “In August of 2009, I lost my father to kidney cancer which sent me into a deep depression and caused an artistic block within me. Over the past two years, I’ve gone through counselling to deal with the loss, and reignite my passion for writing and performing. This new album has been one of my biggest challenges because it is truly the most personal work I’ve ever sought to write. It has truly been and continues to be a spiritual experience to reach within myself and bare my soul to the world.”
S] What’re your plans as we move into 2013?
J] “My plans for 2013 are the completion and release of my new, yet-to-be-titled, album and to continue to bring joy and understanding to others through my music.”
http://youtu.be/EVE87K2Fwmc
Jay Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!