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      INTERVIEWS  with Calgary and area songwriters           <<< RETURN MAIN     |    CD REVIEW >>>


DEERE JOHN
TONI VERE
 *Tell us a story behind one of your songs*

"What's Been Goin' On?" off of The Basement Budokan Sessions is about how we can sometimes loose ourselves or sense of self in a relationship over time and it's about that period when a relationship ends and you start to see that sense of self again. It was a therapeutic song to write and one of my favourite mixes on the the album.

 *What do you listen to when you are at home?*

Well there's lots of stuff. Lately I've really been getting into The Hold Steady great tunes. Reconstruction Site by The Weakerthans is a regular listen. I saw Luke Doucette recently and have been listening to lots of his stuff as well. I'm a sucker for a hook and something I can sing along to.
 *Who or what has influenced your writing significantly?*

My brother is a songwriter as well and I've always thought his writing was really strong so I'd definitely say he's been an influence. Moe Berg and The Pursuit of Happiness changed everything for me when I was a teenager. I can't say that my songs sound very much like a TPOH but Moe's off beat sense of humour and quirky look at the world definitely stuck with me. Zuckerbaby were great at writing hooky pop-rock songs with great lyrics. They definitely have influenced my own writing. There's a few for ya, far too many others to name them all.

 *What highlight in your songwriting/performing could you share with us"

Songwriting is personal for me, like it is for all songwriters. I think it's important to explore those personal thoughts and share them. It's amazing how many others can relate to what you're writing. When I'm writing it usually starts with some kind of a hook, whether it's a catchy lyric or riff and I just tend to write the rest of the song around that.

 *What have you learned that you could pass on about songwriting/performing experience?
Don't worry about being too literal or metaphoric in your writing. Everybody creates their own meaning out of a song anyways.

 *Any tips or advice you could give to songwriters?*

Know what you want to get out of music and surround yourself with like-minded individuals. Common goals are important in a band setting.

 *What plans or goals do you have for the next year?*

We're going to finish up some writing and get to work on another CD later in the year.

 *Where can we buy your CD?*

Everything is available through our website: www.deerejohnrocks.com or at: www.reverbnation.com/deerejohn

You can contact Deere John at: deerejohnrocks@gmail.com

Or online at the following:
www.deerejohnrocks.com
www.reverbnation.com/deerejohn
myspace.com/deerejohnrocks
www.twitter.com/deerejohnrocks






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