Spotlight: Almost Friday

Music Promotion via MusicSubmit.com

Webpage: http://www.almostfridaymusic.com
Location: Salem, Oregon, USA
Description: Almost Friday produces "main street" original rock music
Biography: Almost Friday is a four member rock band from Salem, Oregon. Formed in October 2007, Almost Friday has branded a strong reputation with their energetic "main street rock" original music and dynamic live stage shows. The innovation, creativity and marketability of Almost Friday is demonstrated by achieving the goals of producing and recording their self titled 11 track debut album, one single release, two music videos and regional performances, three of which were performed at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon. Almost Friday features Rodney Galloway on lead guitar/lead vocals and Steve Cannon on rhythm guitar/backing vocals. Dave Noffsinger pounds out the bass, while Chuck Kovitch completes the line up on drums. All four members are long time friends devoted to the artistic success of the band's sound by writing all of their original music. The band takes great pride in producing songs that have stimulating hooks, hypnotic melodies and rousing beats that stir the listener's emotions while leaving them wanting to hear more. With years of individual music experience brought to the band by each member, it is clear that several artists have influenced them such as Eric Clapton, Social Distortion, The Ramones, Rush, Randy Rhodes, The White Stripes and a wide range of other influences.

SIMPLY SIX: Shayna Zaid & The Catch

Shayna Zaid & The Catch  are a musical group.


1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvison the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

Shayna: Television was very scarce for my sisters and I growing up in Malaysia, so we relied on activities and creativity to keep ourselves busy. I was 6 years old when I had one of my first epiphanies - the year I tore my lip/mouth open from a mini freak accident during playtime. I was in the hospital when my mother gave me my first CD to keep me entertained. I remember very vividly because I'd also received a my-little-pony coloring book which ended up covered in a purple Vitagen surge later on that day. In any case, the CD - Whitney Houston. She became my hero after I heard TheGreatest Love of All (I was a total cheeseball). Nevertheless, it became my bed-ridden jam, so I learned it word for word until the stitches healed and I could open up my mouth again. I think having my voice being taken away (with my mouth sewn shut) for a couple weeks had a profound impact on me - the deprivation made me realize how fulfilling it really felt to express my feelings through song. That's when I truly realized this was my biggest passion.

Yan: I never had one defining moment, I've wanted to be a professional musician ever since I can remember because of a series of childhood memories. I was born and raised in Cuba, where television and information in general was extensively controlled by the government, so I didn't have massive exposure to many styles of music. Nevertheless, my family is full of avid music enthusiasts and some professional musicians too. My parents raised me with all the classical music standards, which largely shaped my musical background and, of course, my training. My uncles were huge fans of the Beatles, Supertramp, Queen, Chicago, and they managed to somehow acquire many of their records, which were not sold or even legal to own in Cuba. We used to sing along to all the songs in the family trips and reunions, which I always looked forward to. My uncle Rene, who lives inToronto now, was a producer for a Cuban radio station, and through him, I was introduced to the rich Cuban music heritage, meeting many of the Cuban music stars that have become international sensations since then. Music always brought a level of joy and unity in my family unlike anything else, and because of that, I always knew that I wanted to be a musician, so that I can give that same joy and pleasure to my audience and loved ones forever.

Christopher: Neither of my parents are musicians but music was always a big party of my growing up. My mom would listen to doo wop, r&b, and pop music (mostly the Beatles) all day long everyday since I was old enough to remember so I think that planted the seed in me to become a musician. I do remember when the movie The Doors came out I was in my freshman year of high school and my mother took me to see it, by the end of the film I was hooked with the idea of becoming a rockstar…:)


2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

Shayna: Lots of favorites, some I'm still discovering - new, oldies, throwbacks, remixes etc. Currently in my player: Mixtapes from my best friend (where I discover a lot of new music), Aretha Franklin, Billy Holiday, Charlie Christian (and the likes of his peers- including Al Casey & Django Reinhardt), M. Ward (his voice makes me melt), Madeleine Peyroux and Miles Davis. I also enjoy listening to music by fellow artist friends - there's a plethora of new independent music out there and the best part is stumbling upon the good stuff. For the most part, I am attracted to great songs (and ones that make me want to dance, haha).

Yan: I consistently listen to the classical music repertoire, at least a full work (symphony, sonata, song cycle, etc...) every day. I listen to the classical music radio station in my car almost exclusively, it's a perfect way to cope with the road rage which you inevitably get from driving in New York City. Aside from classical, I love Muse, White Stripes (which Chris, our drummer got me into), The Raconteurs, Radiohead, Jamiroquai, everything Chick Corea ever made, Jean-Luc Ponty, etc... I also have an unnatural obsession for electronic and dance music, which gets me in a lot of trouble (I grew up in Spain, I can't help it), so I love Daft Punk, Aphex Twin, BT, Plaid, Chemical Brothers, Infected Mushroom, Deadmau5... Oh, and everybody that knows me knows that my favorite band is Pink Floyd...I know, not very unique, but oh so very true.

Christopher: I play music so much that I don't really get a lot of spare time to just listen to music for my own personal entertainment so when I do have some time I usually stick to just what I know I love. The doors, the Beatles, the Mars Volta. I feel that if I have time to listen I don't want to waste it so I go right to what I know I like..


3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

Shayna: Playing in Times Square on New Years Eve - the energy was incredible.

Yan: I'd have to agree with Shayna on that one, that was the best night of my life.

Christopher: I would have to say playing the 2010 New Years party at Times Square. That was pretty amazing.


4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

Shayna: Personally, I'd like to think it goes both ways; listening for pure pleasure and/or exploring the introspective side of powerful messages. In some cases, creating more empathy/understanding with the world and our relationship to it. Songs can be very powerful vehicles of emotional expression when it engages with our psyche (at least for me) - perhaps have an effect on our actions as well, which inadvertently changes the world around us. As far as influencing current events, music has the power to deliver messages to people of all ages, especially to our youth. It can also bring people together in the aftermath of an event, through concerts/fundraisers that can help benefit those in need. Music has the ability to bridge our hearts, our minds and our actions, unlike anything else.

I'd also like to add that I am a strong advocate for personal dance parties at home with loved ones - dance is the best form of therapy (in my opinion) and it goes hand in hand with music. What better way to enjoy it with the people we love.

Yan: Of course music can change the world, and the proof is all around us. David Hasselhoff single-handedly took down the Berlin Wall with his powerful performance. I mean, that's music history at its finest.....................

Isn't it?

Christopher: I think music has the ability to inspire people and give them motivation to do things, I'm not sure if can change the world though. people have to make that choice on their own.


5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Shayna: Technology is creating more and more transparency in today's world. Options are expanding, opportunities are becoming more accessible, tools are increasingly available, and because of that, creativity is pushing new thresholds - people are becoming increasingly self-sufficient these days. The landscape of the music industry is evidently changing - it will always exist, just "how" it will continue to exist is what we are all trying to figure out. I find myself learning new things everyday so I guess it's a matter of how we embrace/apply this DIY information. Having open platforms to connect with fans gives a lot of great room to include them in the process of creating/sharing, and in my opinion, it's a very valuable exchange between people - ideas, human connection and experience. Of course, there is always two sides to the coin.

Yan: Technology has done wonders to bridge the gap and level the playing field between major and independent artists. It has allowed us to be a self-sufficient band and see a good amount of success on our own. It has also allowed me to pursue my other passion project, to be the biggest Cuban rapper of all time. My name is Young Yizzy, my first single drops March 21st, you dig?

Christopher: Yes, and I think it has all for the better. Even recording has become more inexpensive. Music is one click away now, and I think as in your last question, "Can music change the world?"  - if music is something that people consider something that can make people speak up and inspire people to do good, isn't that best thing then to have it as available as possible?


6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

Shayna: Boots, sturdy black leather riding boots (with no zippers). I like to walk, move, get dirty and always be ready for any occasion (also in case I get kidnapped by a ninja). 

SIMPLY SIX: Mary LaSang

Mary is a singer/songwriter/bandmember/bass player from Louisiana. She was a member of Cowboy Mouth for awhile. She performs with Paul Sanchez and the Rolling Road Show. She is a member of the new group The Kinky Tuscaderos. She says she likes being a member of a group and has put plans for her solo album on hold for the moment. Hopefully she'll reconsider that thought and continue work on her solo album. Go to her MySpace Page and check out how good she is as an artist in her own right.

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?

I'd say it was during the first and only performance of my first band, The Electric Bananas. I was 8 and thought I had I convinced 3 of my brothers to sing and dance to "The Locomotion". We rehearsed; we held bananas for mics. When I left to knock on my neighbors' doors to tell them of our upcoming performance, to which a few came, my brothers bailed out on me. I performed as a solo act, with the philosophy of "the show must go on" already burned into my young little psyche. I think I watched too many episode of The Banana Splits.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?

I am a music fan first; that's what feeds my inspiration as a writer. I have great friends who turn me onto lots of new music in all genres. In my car right now, I have been listening to MIA, Santogold, Lupe' Fiasco, Blur, The Sugarcubes, Lucinda Williams, Keane, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The White Stripes, Beck - I could go on and on. I think the newest genre I've been turned on to is hip hop, and rap. Great rhythm is to be found there.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

I haven't had that one defining, career changing moment on record yet. I feel it's coming soon though.

As far as live, I'd have to say that I have 2: the first was when my Mom, who had Alzheimer's, came with my family to see me perform. It was hard for her to be away from her familiar surroundings, but my Dad (her caretaker) wanted to come to my performance. My Mom stood there and watched me perform, quietly, proudly, and content for the entire hour and a half. That moment told me so much about the power of music, an effect of me playing it, and how much I was loved.

The second moment came while I was performing at a festival, right before Velvet Revolver. I looked back offstage, and saw Duff McKagan watching us. He caught my eye to give me the thumbs up. Still amazes me.

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?

I'm not sure if life imitates art, or art imitates life. I think both to be true. I believe that music can and does change moments in the world, in small and large ways. I helped build a school in Tanzania by performing at a fundraiser with Susan Cowsill. That performance raised the money. I also played at a small, rural festival in Germany, where most of the people spoke no English - but I'll be damned if they didn't know every word to John Denver's "Country Road", which we got pressured into playing, when they spontaneously broke into the song as an encore. It warmed my heart, as I'm sure it does others. Moments like that help bring peace, even for just a minute. Makes life more tolerable and lovable.
Music changes the whole world. All art does.

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Music downloading affected all of us. In our unsigned case, it also helps get our music out across the world. I hate that record companies took such a big hit, which in turn made bands take a huge hit. I'm hopeful, and appreciative about things like myspace, which has connected us with numerous gigs, and quite possibly to the funding of my upcoming cd (due to a blog I posted!). Technology has forced us to change - that's always hard. But it seems to be good for our purposes.

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

Chuck Taylors!

SIMPLY SIX: Stehpanie Paige Norton

Stephanie is a singer from Australia.

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?

I cant say there was a defining moment when I first realised that I wanted to be an artist. I first picked up the guitar at age 15 but had always had a love for music early on as a child.
There wasn’t a particular artist that inspired me to sing. It was just something I did and I knew felt right.I used song writing as a way to express my feelings as a teenager and its wasn’t till years later that I realised how I wanted to go about my music.I would say 911 opened my eyes up about the world and made me want to write songs that had real meaning. I realised how much tragedy goes on and has gone on over the years and its really inspired me to write about real stories!

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?

I try not to limit myself musically. I love experimenting and you can never stop learning from other musicians so im constantly listening and gaining inspiration from all styles of music .The artists that inspire me the most are Henry Rollins & Daniel Johns,.They both create art that has both true passion & substance. Im usually listening to Rollins Band, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Scars On Broadway, Tom Petty, Iggy Pop, Rob Zombie, Queens Of The Stone Age, Tenacious D, Silverchair, System Of A Down, David Bowie, Amen, Acdc, The White Stripes, Misfits, Pj Harvey, The Doors, Juliette & the Licks, Nirvana & more…

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

I would say the way the audience has been connecting with my music.The support ive have been getting in the last 6 months has been flattering. Having other musicians appreciate my work and want to get involved in other projects is amazing. Having people message me saying they connect with the songs and how they have helped them through tough times is rewarding. The fact that you can affect someones life on the other side of the world from something you have created in your bedroom is a great feeling and by far my biggest achievement so far.

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?

Of course. Its not something that can change overnight but music is just as powerful as politics. I think that musicians have a large impact on the youth and as they are the ones who will determine our future its important in both art and music to keep on trying to convey the messages. So yes music can affect current events just as current events are affecting music, these are the things that artists as myself are finding inspiration from.

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Definitely!The Internet its such a great way for bands and artists to get exposed.I really believe its opened a lot of doors for myself as an artist. A site such as Myspace allows new and unknown bands to be heard and grow a fan base. The old days everything was done via record labels and now these days you can get label interest from a track being heard on a website.
And the great thing about the advancement in musical technology is you can pretty much record a decent sounding demo on your home computer without having to spend a fortune on a polished studio album and get your music out there all by yourself.

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

I would be a pair of comfortable shoes because if I could walk through life content then I will achieve the best out of myself both personally and musically.

Go check out her myspace page for samples of her music.