“I have some mixed feelings about social media. If you don’t know the lingo or the specific methods of advancement, it’s really hard to get anywhere.” – @RibsofFlavor
Episode #280 : A.V.A Live Radio Behind The Music with Jacqueline Jax
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/avaliveradio/2015/12/09/episode-280-ava-live-radio-behind-the-music-with-jacqueline-jax
GETTING TO KNOW JULIAN QUEZADA of RIBOFLAVIN
by Jacqueline Jax host of A.V.A Live Radio
Interviewing: Julian Quezada (Lead singer and rhythm guitar)
Music Business…
I have some mixed feelings about it. If you don’t know the lingo or the specific methods of advancement, it’s really hard to get anywhere. At the same time, in this age of social media, bands and artists now have direct access to communication with their fan base and potential listeners. In order to really make any progress, you’ve gotta be willing to do your research and look for opportunities where you can get them. We try and make an effort to directly communicate with our fans as much as possible, whether that be through social media, instant messaging, or through face to face conversation. We want to be able to truly form a relationship with them and rightfully earn their support of us and our music.
Social media…
I love that it allows you to build a relationship and a real connection with your fans. Whenever they want, they can find out what’s going on in your life and in the band’s life, and feel like they’re growing along with you. Also, now with social media, fans have access to up to date information about shows, tours, and releases right at their fingertips at a moment’s notice.
However, you have to get the hang of it. There’s truly a method to using social media as a band as a viable tool. If you don’t have interesting content or aren’t consistent with your updates, you run the risk of turning off your fan base and potential listeners.
Singles vs an album…
I think you need to have a good mix between the two. Singles are a great way to get people interested in your music by giving them small samples of your work. Eventually however, you’re going to need to give them something sizeable for them to digest. Recently, we’ve been putting out a string of singles with the intention of developing interest, that way when we release an EP or full album we have a substantial following to give it to.
We all spent years playing in various school band programs…
Steven and I did multiple years in our middle school’s band, which Brandon later joined as well. Christian spent several years taking drum lessons on his own. Funny enough, I was initially inspired to start investigating music when I first played Guitar Hero in 4th grade at a friend’s house. I wasn’t actually inspired to seriously play and pursue music until i heard Blink 182’s Take Off Your Pants and Jacketalbum during my sophomore year of high school. Hearing music that was both incredibly catchy and fun to sing along to, yet simple enough that I could learn it, gave me the confidence I needed to try writing my own stuff!
C r a s h L a n d i n g…
I wrote “Crash Landing” while I was in the midst of an argument with a significant other, mostly about remembering the good times in a relationship when, in the moment, it seems like it’s lowest. We had the extreme pleasure of recording up in Tustin CA. at ReAmp studios with Josh Brooks. We had an awesome time working up there in such an incredible facility and engineer. We can’t wait to go back!
We work hard to bring solid songwriting and exceptional live performance to the table…
We’re proud of all the work that went into the writing and recording of the song. We really hope that fans hear “Crash Landing” and love it as much as we do!
We are local to San Diego County…
specifically Escondido. Unfortunately, the little bit of music scene Escondido had has sort’ve died out. We used to go to shows at the Metaphor Cafe, to see our friends and different smaller touring bands. Unfortunately, the Metaphor and most of Escondido’s other venues are now closed. Occasionally, we’ll get the odd house or meeting hall show, and we make sure to frequent those as much as we can!
I would love to have 5 minutes alone with….
Sting. The Police were the first band I ever idolized growing up, the first ones to ever make me study actual song writing. I absolutely adore their catalog. The interplay between Sting, Summers, and Copeland is just incredible! I strive to write songs that innovative and solid. To meet and talk music with him would be a dream!
Current and trendy music…
I think the balance is key. You need to consider the current market and audience when you’re making an artistic decision, but at the same time, make sure to remain true to your values.
I am most afraid of…
not living up to personal expectations. I have a high standards I set for both myself and my work. So when I don’t achieve to the level I’m hoping for, I start freaking out until I force myself to rationalize.
My personal definition of success is..
I define success for this band as being able do what we want, when we want to. I want to be able to make the music we love and viably support ourselves off of it, touring included. Our best success story right now has been the evolution of our songwriting in the past year. I’m really proud to perform and release the material we currently put out. Looking back at the songs we first released makes me cringe sometimes haha. It makes the transition we’ve made so much more apparent!
My overall goal for my life & career is…
to make music my actual, viable profession. I hope to be able to release material that I’m intensely proud of, and be able to tour the world and play for people who care about that music just as much as I do. This career has been my dream for years, and I want to do all I can to make that a reality.
3 Ways that I challenge myself…
1) I strive to consistently improve my songwriting quality, in order that I can write better and better material.
2) I work hard to find different ways of approaching and marketing the band in order to make more fans and potential listeners aware of us.
3) I do my utmost to build real relationships with fans and potential listeners. Building a connection with your fans ensures that they will be there to support you for the long haul, behind you every step of the away.
Social Media:
riboflavin6.com
reverbnation.com/riboflavin6
facebook.com/riboflavinmusic
twitter.com/RibsofFlavor