Jim Armstrong Interview
Did you find the process a little easier to write and produce Junction Rd yourself?
Yes, because that is how I always work.
How did you come about blending in alt Country Rock and Blues together?
It's
always been my personal style. These genre types just appeal to me and
also suit my writing style and vocals. I can and do write in all genres
as well. Anything from pop, dance, orchestral, electronica...you name
it, I can create it, but for my own personal body of work, I love to
perform that blend of Alt-country, Roots Rock, Blues, Folk - it's a
genre now known as "Americana".
What inspires your song writing?
Real
life. People I see on the street, things that happen, something
someone says. It doesn't have to be anything special, just whatever
happens to ignite my imagination at that particular moment. I tend to
write about the little guy, people hard done by, overcoming adversity.
I'm also a multi-instrumentalist so using different instruments create
different styles or sets the various moods of the songs. Stuff that
begins on a piano will have a different feel and groove than one that
may begin with acoustic guitar or with drums, etc. I get inspired if I
hear a certain sound or a rhythm that intrigues me and it just takes
off from there.
What song is your favourite off the album?
"Joanne"
because all the parts, the incredibly great rhythm section, the lead
guitar, the lyrical idea just meshes perfectly. I am very proud of my
producing chops on that one too. To my ears almost a perfect mix, a
perfect song.
Which song did you find the most difficult to record?
"The
Devil's Song" mainly because of trying to control the live sound of the
drums so that they didn't overshadow or overtake the song - it was a
real balancing act!
Do you go through a couple of different versions before you settle on one version?
Definitely!
What song is your favourite to play live?
No
contest - "Dollars In His Wallet" - is THE killer crowd-pleaser. The
guys in the band and I all love playing it full tilt, pedal to the
floor and we tend to use it as the closing song. Nobody sits still for
that one - it always gets the audience jumping, hooting and hollering.
Do you find it difficult using two different guitarists for your recorded versions and your live shows?
No,
not at all - they each bring something special to the table. Both Val
and Kenmi are exceptional players and if I could, I would have both of
them on the stage together. Unfortunately for us, Kenmi lives in
Japan. Thank god for the internet!
What should be peopling look forward to during your live shows?
Fantastic
musicianship and great songs (If I say so myself) The guys in my band
have played with everyone and everywhere in the world - there really is
something to be said for experience. There are many, many talented
musicians in the world, but only by putting in the time and having
years of practice, can that translate into a fabulous live experience.
I want people to leave with my melodies stuck in their head and
looking forward to the next show - I love to make that happen!
Where do you see your album Junction Rd. Taking you?
It's
already starting to happen - am reaching a wider listener-ship and
having bigger musical opportunities for both myself and the band. I
can never stop creating music, it's like breathing to me and I will
always do it for myself, but it's even more gratifying when I can share
it with others. I just want people to love my music.