Jared Lutes has an amazing voice that is comforting and soothing to the ears. This Singer/Songwriter writes beautiful lyrics that capture his crafty ability to transfer his words into music magic. Lutes also seems conformable within is element when he is performing. In this interview with our Webzine, Lutes expounds on his love for his music.
Isaac: It’s an amazing time to be a DIY artist/performer/band/musician. What do you enjoy the most about being an indie performer?
Jared: I really cherish the freedom to pick my venues, dates, and musicians, as well as record and perform the songs that mean the most to me personally. While I could focus my attention onto the music alone, I think the business side of entertainment challenges another side of me as well.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to sign with a major label, would you sign now knowing you may have to give up some of what you have build up over the years about you in the process?
Jared: I have already built up a solid reputation and venue list locally. I will always have these contacts and gigs to fall back on. So yes, I am now willing and ready to attack an international market with the help of professional management.
Isaac: I remembered Simon Cowell from American Idol talking about the “it” Factor that makes a musician/band stand out. What do you think is your “it” factor that makes you stand out from others in the music business?
Jared: My music does not try to make the Top 10 on purpose. Although many of my songs feature big hooks and production, I try to keep the vocal performance as natural as possible in an attempt to convey the same intimacy that I offer at my smallest of live gigs. Although both honesty and passion are hard to find in Pop music today, they are my 'it'.
Isaac: Why should music fans listen to your music? Describe what they are going to get when they listen to Jared Lutes?
Jared: I write and record with my audience in mind. Consequently, there are very contemporary themes and musical forms in the final product. That's not to say, however, that my songs aren't personal. On the other hand then, my lyrics are personal, but universal, and the intimate, artist-based performances are at once familiar and nostalgic. I offer to my fans relevance, emotion, and musical professionalism.
Isaac: Briefly describe your humble beginnings that led you to where you are at musically now.
Jared: I am still within my humble beginnings, although the occasional high praise often tests my groundedness. I was simply a small-town kid from rural eastern Canada who thought he was more talented than he was. Although my musicianship has improved over the last decade, I am now less overconfident and more self-aware. Eight hundred gigs will snap anyone out their daydreams of grandeur, and now I don't take the little success that I do have, for granted.
Isaac: You have some strong iconic influences. Of these influences, which artist/band do you relate to the most and why?
Jared: I guess I've always been enamored with the alt-country sound of Blue Rodeo, a Canadian staple. However, I've always been drawn to Springsteen, Seger, Petty, Mellencamp, etc. For me these guys are the essential American roots-rockers who work hard and who write pop hits that really say something. I want to do that.
Isaac: Do you feel that Indie music gets the respect it deserves? Why or why not?
Jared: Indie doesn't seem so 'indie' anymore. In fact, there are more listings on TAXI, SonicBids, Broadjam, etc. than for the classic power-pop stuff that I'm doing. However, in terms of artists who are self-sufficient and 'independent', I think they get out what they put in. No one can sit on their butts anymore and rake in sales royalties. The indie artists who enjoy any success have really earned it through their devotion as well as their music, and I respect that.
Isaac: If you could change one thing about the music business, what would it be and why?
Jared: As still a small fish in a small pond, I can only speak for the local scene. Where I come from competition among bands is detrimental, supportive venues and connections are both few and coveted, and what negligible cultural funding there is goes to an elite few. Even fantastic Indie artists can be stifled by established cliques in small markets. Musical creativity must be both recognized and fostered at the grassroots level.
Isaac: Do you think in the near future that DIY artists/bands will be the norm and big record companies will be very limited?
Jared: I think we're already seeing that. When artists are independently creating, recording, producing, packaging, and promoting their own products digitally, the large record companies can hinder more than help. I think the future of these entities is the niche fragmentation of labels that catered to the novel musical forms emerging after the 1950's. The age of the luxurious rock star lifestyle may be a thing of the past, but artists now have more control of their music and their futures.
Isaac: What type of feedbacks have you been receiving about your music from fans and music critics?
Jared: Here are a few positive comments:
“These songs prove that you have some serious skills as a writer and performer.” - Professional Screener, TAXI.com.
"Really great melodies, harmonies, vocal performances, and musicianship! I would BUY this song!! [Waiting on You]" - Broadjam.com Member.
"I'm confident this guy is going places. You will be hearing lots from him, I guarantee." - Pamela Buggie, The Miramichi Leader.
"You don't over-sing or push the emotional aspect of the songs, but just sing the songs as they are written with sincerity & your appealing voice." - Professional Screener, TAXI.com.
"This guy has talent. He'll be syncing music in no time I think. Good work, I'm sure you're already getting airplay." - Broadjam.com Member.
Jared Lutes
Photo by Bruno Poitras (2010)
Isaac: If you knew that you would never gain fame and fortune with what you are doing now, would you continue to make music? Explain.
Jared: My dreams of fame and fortune ceased several years ago. If I could take my band on a bus tour across North America for two months, I'd be happy to break even. Writing and performing is what I do, and until I've tested myself in the big leagues, I will not be satisfied to move on to a 'normal' career. If I am fifty and still playing bars on the weekends, that will be normal enough for me.
Isaac: How do you handle negative feedback or negative energy about your music?
Jared: Actually, that happens so often, I have a difficult time handling POSITIVE feedback. The occasional empty venue, unconcerned dancers, and that woman who loves my voice but never has $10 on her to buy a CD, are the norm during my travels. However, I have learned to cherish my periodic good fortune to the point where the recent disappointment evaporates, and my mind is clear enough to continue.
Isaac: What role do your family and friends play in the equation of your pursuant of a music career?
Jared: My family is wholly supportive of what I do. They are proud to see my name in the local newspaper or hear my interview on the radio. My true friends come to shows and recommend me to their friends enough that I stay very busy with private gigs. I have several close confidants to which I vent my occasional disappointment, and I'm always forgiven for my overzealousness and self-defeatism.
Isaac: What is the best site/s that you can be found on the Internet?
