10 Quick Ones with JOE SETTINERI – June 2018

According to a recent press release: “American Singer/Song-writer JOE SETTINERI has released the official music video for his impassioned pop single “Hello Goodbye.” Originally premiered on Paste Magazine, “Hello Goodbye” was written in collaboration with platinum Nashville-based producer Mike Krompass (Smash Mouth, Nellie Furtado).” We get Joe to discuss new music, influences, and more in our 10 Quick Ones…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets the band put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

My new single is called “HELLO GOODBYE” and was produced by Mike Krompass.  It’s being described as a breakup song which I love because it is … but I like to call it an empowering breakup song.   I think the more you listen you being to realize there is also some hope in the song (and the video too). It’s not just about being sad about a breakup.   We should all have hope when a love ends that it’s for the right reasons and something better is going to come along. I do all the vocals.  So when you hear what sounds like a high woman’s voice in the bridge, it’s me.  I can do a lot of weird things with my voice, so it lets us add some fun high harmonies.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

My grandfather was an amazing musician, and I always was so taken when he’d play any instrument.  I was mesmerized by music early in life, and the day I decided this was all for me was in the 2nd grade.  I was home sick from school, and I started to sing along to a Laura Branigan record in the living room.  From that point on all I could think about was how I was going to become a singer and somehow get on the radio.  Music just did something to me and it was all I could think about.

3. Who would be your main five musical influences?

Laura Branigan, Train (Pat Monahan), Rascal Flatts, Diana Krall, and Sia.   They all are crazy amazing and each in their own unique way.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be?

Kygo… or Sia… or both.   I can’t pick just one. Both.   Final answer.

5. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before?

Recently, especially with “HELLO GOODBYE,” I’ve been told my music reminds people of a male Adele which I’ll take any day!  I used to call my music ‘schmaltzy,’ but my team yells at me for that so now I call it emotional pop – which I agree describes it much better.   My music is going to take you on a journey if you let it.

6. What’s the best thing about being a musician?

As a musician / artist / songwriter I get to do something that I truly, truly love.  It sounds super schmaltzy (See? There’s that word again …), but music has always fulfilled all of me — all at once.  Getting to imagine, create, and perform music is the dream I’ve always had. I’m beyond lucky I get to do this.

7. When the band are all hanging out together, who cooks; who gets the drinks in; and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Me, Myself and I … except in reality, my husband is the one who will push for the musical sing-along.  He means business, and you’d better have your best phantom of the opera ready to go!

8. If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream job?

Interior Design.  I’m hitting a lot of clichés here I think.

9. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over”?

Yes and No.  I can point to some specific mistakes or choices I made that probably altered my path, but I fully believe your journey is your journey.   As a general theme, if I could do it over again, I would stand up for myself more and listen to people and their opinions a lot less.

10. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose and what does that record mean to you?

Yes… I would give anything to be in the room when Laura Branigan (I know, here we go again) recorded “GLORIA.”  This was her first hit, and they knew it while still in the studio. To feel that kind of energy and excitement about a song must have been amazing.  That song ignited a passion for singing and music in me that pushes me to this day.

JOE SETTINERI LINKS:

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Category: Interviews