Steve Bertrand
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Interview With Steve Bertrand By Chris 2/2/08
Steve Bertrand is a really good singer songwriter with some fantastic tunes, I was really really hooked and knew he need to be interviewed, so read on to find out more
1. How did you get into music?
My Dad took me to a Beach Boys concert when I was around 10 years old in Daytona Beach,FL. I fell in love with music then and knew that I needed to be a musician. That was a defining moment in my life.
2. Who were your idols growing up?
Jesus, My Mom and Dad, The Beatles, Cheap Trick, The Cars, U2.
3. Who were your influences?
My Mom and Dad, The Beatles, Cheap Trick, The Cars, U2
4. How did you get signed to Icon Music Entertainment Services?
The head of Icon was a part of the Sony system prior to them merging with BMG. He was familiar with my music and signed me to the new label .
5. Are you happy with the responses to the album?
Yes. I do wish more people could be exposed to it though.
6. How was the recording process for your latest release go?
I wrote all of the songs here at home this time. I also recorded much of the record at home. It was a very relaxed and fun experience working with some of the great musicians on this album.
7. Has the internet helped with your music?
Yes and No. Yes…because it has exposed more people to my music and No because people now expect music for free and aren’t buying music anymore.
8. Do you think tools like MySpace are useful?
Myspace is probably the best marketing tool for any band right now.
9. Has radio been good to you and playing your music?
Radio has been good to me but much like the music biz in general it’s changed a lot of the past few years. It’s very corporate. You hear the same 20 songs over and over making it hard for a new artist to break in.
10. Have you had much response from overseas labels?
Not much. The Tories released one album in Japan and the U.K. I’m in negotiations right now to release this new solo album in Germany,Aus, Switzerland but America has been the primary focus of my music thus far.
11. Is playing solo different to playing in the bands you have played in before?
Yes…there’s much less drama! 🙂
12. Do you still get people who want to talk about the previous bands you have been in?
Yes…and I’m always happy to do so. The past is part of who I am and I’m proud of both the Tories and Avion.
13. Who would you most like to record a song with and play with?
Bono…and U2. He’s pretty much my biggest influence.
14. Who have you enjoyed playing with the most?
Cheap Trick
15. What is it like being an independent artist?
Being an independent artist is like going to a party with 300 people who all know each other but you don’t know anyone…yet, you’re the best dressed!
16. What don’t you like about the music industry?
The business side of it. I love music…but the music business is terrible.
17. What has been the highlight so far?
Hearing 25,000 people sing the lyrics to my song back to me on stage…it doesn’t get much better than that!
18. What one piece of advice you can get to people who want to make a career in music?
Go to college and don’t get into the music business….just kidding. Follow your dreams…if it’s music, do it with all of your heart,soul and passion. Don’t have a “plan B” for your life if you really want to succeed in music. Having nothing else to fall back on will force you to push harder when things get tough. Be honest and kind to everyone. Life will give you back exactly what you put into it.
