Jeff Fiorello/Interview

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WMG Abby: When did you start playing the guitar?

Jeff Fiorello: I started playing about four years ago. Though I've had a guitar as long as I can remember. Took me a while to settle down and actually start playing.

WMG: What does your music sound like?

JF: Well I put myself in the genre of Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Josh Kelley. There's kind of a running joke that "All the good ones start with J" I am really into the raw acoustic vibe. You know, two acoustic and some hand drums. At the same time, its really great to get a band of great musician behind you to fill out your music. My upcoming album was my first chance to see this in action with my music. The band really filled out the sound into a nice Pop-rock vibe that I hope everyone will love. I know I do.

WMG: Who are your musical influences?

JF: Well I grew up listening to oldies stations so im really into Motown and the old rock and roll vibe. Like I said though, I love acoustic music, but heres a short list. Mraz, Mayer, Johnson, Jump little Children, Guster, Jamie Cullum. Recently I have been listening to some heavier artists like The Mars Volta and System of a Down. I think its important to not shut any music out. Theres no telling what may influence you.

WMG: You were the bassist for the band Free Monica. What made you decide to quit?

JF: Free Monica is made up of some of my old high school friends, Ben Friedman and Kyle Lamonica. We grew up singing together in school so the band was a great fit for us. In 2005 I picked up a post production internship at SNL so got the chance to come to New York. That was a great opportunity to try out my music and things kind of just went from there. I had this urge to do my own thing so I did it. They are still playing and just a released a new CD about 6 months back.

WMG: Where do you get your inspiration in writing your songs?

JF: I'm all about a stream of conciousness. Some of the songs are completely made up. Its always fun to create a story and tell it to people. Some of the songs, however, are about people close to me or situations I've been through. I mean come on... you CANT beat a song about a woman.

WMG: What was it like interning for Saturday Night Live?

JF: SNL is a fantastic environment filled with some great people. It was the time of my life. Hoping someday I will be asked to play there. I think it would be nice to go back under those conditions.

WMG: Any gigs going on?

JF: I am currently starting to set up a tour for early 2007. You can always check my website and my myspace page for upcoming gigs.

WMG: When will your album be out?

JF: The album should be out in the next month, mid to late October. I am finalizing the art I drew (you can see it on my myspace background) and then we are sending it out to get printed and pressed. I am really excited!

WMG: I see a lot of upcoming musicians going the same path as yours, what can you offer that will differ you from those other artists?

JF: You know, there are ALOT of good musicians out there. All I can say is that I really love what I do and I'm getting a great reaction to my tunes. I can only hope that my love of what I do comes through in my music and people see that.

WMG: Your song, Come On, what's it about?

JF: Come on... well thats a fun song. I am a pretty impatient person and thats what its about. The gist of the song is that i just wanna go out and have fun but everyone just is sitting around being lazy. Its really just a fun song with a good groove that people can move to. One of my favorites.

WMG: Any particular favorite from all the songs you wrote?

JF: I really like how The One has grown. It, to me, is one probably my favorite. It really is hard to pick.

WMG: I really dig your single The One. Did this come from a personal experience?

JF: I wrote this song when I was on a short vacation to the blue ridge mountains in North Carolina. I was going through a break up at the time and it just came out. I had been playing the guitar riff for several months with no luck on lyrics so i ran with it. Its always great when that happens. Especially when that song turns out to be a personal favorite .

WMG: Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

JF: Obviously still playing! I am also interested in production and would love to do more of that.

Ok, let's get to the lighter part of this interview:

WMG: Favorite food?

JF: Snack: Hummus and pita bread.

Meal: Country Fried steak w/ mashed potatoes and corn. ( my mom is great!)

WMG: Interests/hobbies?

JF: I make websites and do audio/video editing. I have recently been getting into photography. Oh, I used to pole vault.

WMG: Favortie book?

JF: Ishmael by Daniel Quinn

WMG: Favorite movie?

JF: The Illusionist is my newest on the list. Great flick.

WMG: LIkes/Dislikes:

JF: I like new places. Its always good to learn new things. Traveling is something I really want to do. I like spicy food. thai food is good. I like going to the gym, great stress reliever.

WMG: Any tattoos we should know about?

JF: No tattoos but I did go through a piercing phase. I had 3.

WMG: Most favorite artist? How about CD?

JF: Most favorite..... wow. My itunes says that the most played song on my computer is by Cake. They rock hard.

WMG: Thanks for the time Jeff. Any last messages for your fans?

JF: Watch for the album coming out next month and spread the word!!

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