Extraordinary vocalist and keyboardist ADAM EXLER and the band EverBlue have been making a lot of waves with the release of their 14-track eponymous debut CD, “EverBlue.” Shortly after being nominated for three awards at the 2006 All Access Magazine Music Awards Show, EverBlue has moved up nicely in the New Music Weekly Main Hot Top 100 chart to #20. They are now #8!
Also, in just 3 short weeks they moved up on The Top 40 AC/Hot AC chart to #8 from #18 in front of Norah Jones, Bob Seger, Goo Goo Dolls, Daughtry, Corrine Bailey Rae, Rod Stewart, Nickelback, Nelly Furtado, Janet Jackson, and Gwen Stefani… They are now #3. On both the AC/Hot AC and the Top40 format Indie Charts they are #3, and were also in the Top 3 for spin increase, most added, and prime mover. They are being played all over – from Los Angeles to Nashville and from St. Louis to Atlanta.
It's not easy to find a band as genuine as EverBlue or an artist as honest as Adam Exler in popular culture these days, when considering all of the carefully scripted rises to glory and the falls that inevitably follow careers built on hype. This California-based band is poised to go from zero to 60 by virtue of a combination of finger-on-the-pulse songs and powerful live performances.
AAM got the opportunity to chat with Adam Exler, and ask: Who are the members of EverBlue, and is the future truly BLUE for them and EverBlue?
Adam Exler: Our current lineup is myself, Adam/lead vocals, Russell Anguiano/bass and backup vocals (and winner at the AAM Awards Show 2006 for best bass player). There’s Alex Lankert/guitar and Paul Pranske/guitar. Both backup vocals. And our new drummer is Kenwood Anderson.
AAM: How would you best describe your music to someone who’s never heard of EverBlue?
AE: As you know, most artists don't like to be categorized. But this is how I describe the sound: The music is a sexy, soulful and a fresh new sound that utilizes Rock, Pop, and Blues elements. The result of this potent stew has been dubbed Metro Rock and Alternabluesrock.
AAM: Who are your influences?
AE: I remember when I was a kid I heard B.B. King's "The Thrill is Gone" on the radio. I had pretty much only listened to ‘80s rock and rap prior to that enlightening moment in my life. I heard passion and soul like I’d never heard before coming from a voice and guitar, which started seeping through my veins, and from that day on I have been hooked on heartfelt and genuine music ever since! I have always had a deep connection with music. I really dig B.B. King, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Allman Brothers, Dave Matthews, John Mayer, U2, Coldplay and The Beatles… to name but a few.
AAM: And what makes Adam Exler and EverBlue different from other bands?
AE: Let's see. First, I believe that the songs can all stand on their own. When I buy CDs, most of them have 1-3 really good songs and the rest of the songs sound the same or sound like filler and afterthoughts. When I write music, I try to make each song have the ability to stand on its own merit. Even though this debut CD has 14 songs, I feel that pretty much each song can stand apart from the next. I also try to think of musical hooks placed throughout the songs to make them more memorable. My favorite instrument is the guitar, and even though I play keys, I write many songs for the guitar as the main driving force and featured instrument for solos. I simply try to write music that not only moves me, but that will move the listener as well. If I can get the chills after singing a new song I am working on while playing the piano, then I know I have done a good job.
AAM: Do you write all the lyrics, music?
AE: Yes. I write all the music and lyrics. I try to record and arrange all the parts of a given song on my portastudio. I have a cool Roland Fantom X6 keyboard and a Yamaha AW 16G portastudio. That way I can provide a full blueprint of a song to the live musicians with the various realistic patches that I have played on my keyboard: drums, bass, guitar, piano, organ, strings, sound effects, etc. Then they can have the CD to live with and to learn from, and then we can rehearse. I am very open to what each member brings to the table. I cannot play most of those aforementioned instruments, so I let the other musicians flow with what they want to add to the mix. I will have a hook or an idea for them to play, but other than that, the arrangements are a full group effort. I was very blessed and fortunate to record this CD with an amazing bunch of guys – Russell Anguiano on bass, Nigel Taylor on guitar, and Mark Pohl on drums. They also all added to the amazing and smooth backup vocals as well. We recorded the CD with a great guy named Travis Dickerson at TDRS studios in Chatsworth.
AAM: Was it hard being an Indie band seeking radio play?
AE: Well, from what I have learned, if you don't have the funds or backing, then you are at square one. I am very fortunate to have a dear friend who has lent his financial support to the project. I had tried briefly to take on the true "Indie route" and got the "Indie Bible" and sent stuff out on my own. However, you are competing with so many people on that same level. It was not until we hired a radio promoter that we started seeing amazing results. Prior to that I would get played on a radio station here and there but with very few listeners listening in.
AAM: So that’s what you owe your radio success to?
AE: Well, the combination of the professionally recorded and commercial-sounding CD, and the financial support, has gotten us to where we are today. We are working with a cool guy named Paul Loggins at Loggins Promotions. We have been played on Commercial and Top 40 format radio stations from LA to Nashville to St. Louis to Atlanta and places in between. We are also working with a great guy named William "Ant B" James at Glass Onyon PR and a great gal named Ariel Hyatt at Ariel Cyber PR. I have had about a half dozen radio interviews, live Internet performances, and live radio shows. We have had great reviews of the CD come in from all over the world: England, Portugal, Germany, Czechoslovakia, etc… We are covering the gamut and trying to get our music out there. Like B.B. King said, "Blues and music is a cure for whatever ails you." I try to use this approach to my music. So far, it looks like this genuine approach has worked for me.
AAM: Do you plan to use the radio contacts you’ve made with your tour plans?
AE: Definitely. We are currently planning ideas for a tour to support the radio play. I have learned from experience and from expert advice that one must get out of L.A. to really make an impact. Even though L.A. is the haven for musicians, the fans and sales reside outside of these city limits. Think about it. Have you ever seen how excited and jubilant tourists are when they visit Hollywood and L.A.? They take pictures of the Walk of Fame and The Chinese Theatre and buy souvenirs, hats, T-shirts and the whole 9 yards! For me, being an L.A. native, I cannot wait until the 30-minute traffic jam clears ahead of me on Highland and Hollywood Blvd. so that I can get home! So, think of all the places around the country that would love to have an L.A./Hollywood out-of-town band come in to their small town or community. That is where people actually go out just for the sole purpose of seeing a band and listening to music. Where music is the main course, not an afterthought. See what I am saying?
AAM: When and where do you plan to tour?
AE: We have had radio play all over the country and world. For now, we are thinking of staying in the States. Just this week we had 734 spins! We are regularly being played in places like Nashville, Atlanta, Eugene, Green Bay, St. Louis, Colorado, etc… We are also getting nice Internet and College play in L.A., Florida, and New York. So, since we are an L.A. band, I would say we would start somewhere in those areas.
AAM: Do you think radio is the key to best market an Indie band?
AE: This is a tough question. I would say that you would have to have a FULL game plan implemented and ready to roll. Radio play will not make you a star overnight. It is a promotional tool and a way to get heard and to gain some clout. However, you will need to tie this in to distribution and touring. And as I said before, it is not cheap. Most bands and artists will not be able to afford this on their own. To "break" an artist into the mainstream, using radio PR is a process, not an overnight success route. Plus, your music has to be able to fit into these commercial formats as well. I have spoken to top entertainment lawyers, and the one we are talking to and working with now is named Owen Sloane. He is great guy and a living legend. He has worked with Elton John, Tina Turner, Zappa, Matchbox 20, etc. He said there is no formula to becoming successful. Some bands who are in their 20s tour all over and sleep on the floor of a friend's house or in their touring van or car and eat Ramen noodles and canned food. Some people have done showcases and have gotten great radio play to draw the attention of the labels… some people succeeded and failed using these methods. Bottom line: If you truly believe in your music and you have the talent and work ethic, and you have your head on straight, you will draw the attention of the "right" people who can help you on your journey.
AAM: If you could choose any band to tour with, who and why would that be?
AE: Wow! What a question. There are so many. I would have to say that it would have to be between Dave Matthews Band, Eric Clapton, and B.B. King. All of those artists are great musicians and their material is amazing and legendary. I believe all of them sound even better live, which to me is quite impressive and astonishing. They all have a signature sound and recognizable voice, and they all have influenced my songwriting and singing in some way. If Stevie Ray Vaughan were alive, he would be right up there as well.
AAM: What’s the best way your fans can keep up-to-date with you and EverBlue?
AE: Well, first of all Debra, thank you so much for this interview and for your generous time and hospitality as always. You can check out Adam Exler and EverBlue at www.myspace.com/everbluemusic and www.everbluemusic.com. Feel free to e-mail me anytime, and become a friend of ours at MySpace as well. There are also links to check out samples of all 14 songs as well as buy the CD. Thank you so much again for getting the word out about Adam Exler and EverBlue. Take care and Peace.
EverBlue's independent debut CD can be purchased at CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon.com, MySpace and www.tdrsmusic.com, as well as the band's official website, EverBlueMusic.com or MySpace.com/everbluemusic
Press Inquiries: Glass Onyon PR
Ph: 828-350-8158; P.O. Box 18254, Asheville, NC 28814 USA
Booking 310-383-3249
