It has been a while my friends! Work has been busy which is fantastic BUT I had to write a blog about a talented guy I have known for years. I keep watching him get more and more exposure on MySpace and I really believe he will be a huge artist someday, therefore I asked him to do an interview with me so that his fans could really get to know the man behind the music. He has been a top artist on MySpace in the unsigned category for months now, so it is my prediction that it is only a matter of time before he gets snatched up by a label like so many other artists who have been in his position. Justin Culver of Love Story Hero has passionate and heart felt lyrics, that his thousands of fans identify with and I am honored to have been able to ask him these questions... I hope you all enjoy and make sure to add him on MySpace, and download his music on iTunes.
JB: Where were you born, and where did you grow up?
LSH: I was born in Pasadena California and lived there for most of my childhood then moved to Moorpark California. I have lived here ever since.
JB: When did you discover your talent with music?
LSH: I have always had a love for music since an early age. I was raised by both parents with a musical background. Let’s just say there was always some kind of music being played or listened to in my house.
JB: What instrument [s] do you play?
LSH: My main instrument of choice is guitar but I have also played bass guitar in a previous band. I also enjoy playing drums and piano… well as best as I can!
JB: Who was your biggest influence in music growing up?
LSH: I would have to say my father has been my biggest musical influence. He has always taught me to appreciate the art of music and all it has to offer.
JB: Have your parents or family supported you throughout your musical career?
LSH: My parents and family have always highly supported me through out my musical career. Majority of the time you will see my family supporting me at live shows and you will often see my sisters sitting at my merchandise booth.
JB: What led you to the position you are in today?
LSH: When I was younger I always played with the band at my church which gave me a huge grasp on playing with other musicians. I eventually started a rock band with a couple friends which I played bass guitar. After a couple years we split our own directions which led to me picking up an acoustic guitar and started writing my own material… thus the result of Love Story Hero.
JB: What is your favorite television show?
LSH: My favorite shows would have to be The Office (American version) and Family Guy… I don’t think I could ever watch an episode of either of those shows without laughing hysterically (I am amused easily.. what can I say?!)
JB: What is your all time favorite band?
LSH: I don’t really have an all time favorite because there are so many different amazing bands out there. But I must say my recent favorite has to be The Spill Canvas.
JB: What one quote would be a good way to describe to be your “life motto”?
LSH: Live every day to the fullest and follow your dreams… you are the only one who can stop yourself from fulfilling your dreams.
JB: What direction do you feel the music industry is going in today?
LSH: I feel it’s taking a huge turn into the independent wave. There are so many bands that can create a buzz, build a loyal fan base, and even get radio/TV airplay without even a record label backing them. The Internet [MySpace] is a HUGE tool for unsigned artists to self promote.
JB: What are your lyrics about?
LSH: My lyrics are always very personal. I always write about something that affects me personally or someone close to me. So it can be about: life, death, love, hurt, happiness, etc.
JB: If you could describe yourself in one or two words, what would they be?
LSH: Passionate and determined!
JB: What artist would you like to work with in the future?
LSH: Really any artist who is passionate about what they do and enjoy making music for the love of music and not all the glam and glory that comes along with it.
JB: How would you describe your personal style of music?
LSH: I don’t really stick to a certain “style” but whatever comes out in the writing process is what is the end result. The lyrics are always very personal and relatable. I don’t just write a song to write one.
JB: How would you describe the sound on your album?
LSH: It has a very mellow somber feel to it. Most of the songs were written during a time in my life where a lot was happening at one time.
JB: Do you work with any charities, or are you interested in any?
LSH: Two organizations I highly support are “To Write Love On Her Arms” and “Invisible Children”. I am always open to play charity events that help support people who are in need.
JB: What is one random fact about you?
LSH: I love Coca-cola stuff. I collect it and have a full bookshelf full of collectibles. I know, weird huh!
JB: Do you have any political views, and do they affect your music?
LSH: I do have some political views but I keep them out of my music. I think my opinion is for me and I don’t want to force views on anyone else, because I know everyone has their own view on things.
JB: What is your favorite part of being a solo artist?
LSH: I love the freedom as a solo artist. I am able to play a show anytime anywhere. I am able to travel/tour when my schedule permits rather then working around other band members. I must admit I miss the creativity that a band brings as a group and also the fun of live shows.
JB: What would you tell young people about getting into the music industry?
LSH: It’s a tough business but just keep your heart in the right place and don’t get lost in the whole bad side of the industry.
JB: Where do you see yourself in a year?
LSH: I hope to be touring the U.S. again and to release a full length CD.
JB: How many times have you toured and who have you toured with?
LSH: I have toured several different times. Mainly with just local acts from the area I was touring through. I would have to say my favorite touring buddy is Cary Judd. He has an amazing heart and amazing music. (www.caryjudd.com – make sure to check him out)
JB: What are some bands or artists today that are making waves in the industry in your opinion?
LSH: Like I said before it’s a lot of the unsigned artists or indie label artists who are breaking though the stereotype that you need a major label backing to succeed.
JB: Do you think it is a sell-out to sell your music for a commercial?
LSH: I don’t think so at all. It’s a very powerful tool to get your music heard and get your name out there. People LOVE to search on the internet for a song they heard in a certain commercial. For example, Ingrid Michaelson has had huge success from one song recently played on an Old Navy Commercial.
JB: Where is your favorite place to play?
LSH: Well my favorite place to play is the bathroom… but we will keep that on the down low. Haha no but I do love playing a small coffee shop intimate venue as well as a bigger venue with a band backing me. There are aspects to both settings that I love.
JB: How does your music fit into today’s scene?
LSH: There is a whole new group of solo artists who are emerging and becoming successful. So I feel I could possible fit into this category someway somehow.
JB: What are some of your passions or hobbies?
LSH: My biggest passion is music. But I don’t really have any other hobbies besides that due to lack of time in the day. I must admit I am getting pretty hooked on Guitar Hero III though… Slash is a hard guy to battle!
JB: Does being a solo artist have negative sides to it?
LSH: The main negative side I see is that there is less creativity with only one person… there are so many more good song ideas and concepts with more brains working on it.
JB: What is it like being an independent artist?
LSH: I love being independent. I love to freedom to be able to release new songs whenever you want and being able to do pretty much anything you would like with your music without the influence of a label. The main down side is it’s harder to get music to people who aren’t local without distribution. But I feel online downloads and online purchase of CD’s is a huge help in that aspect.
YOU CAN SEE MORE ON LOVE STORY HERO AT: LOVE STORY HERO
AND MAKE SURE TO PICK UP LOVE STORY HERO MUSIC ON ITUNES!
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