Bluzkat's CenterStage

Living a dream

By Dave Brooks

Daily Pilot (Los Angeles Times)

You can’t help but root for Erick Macek. he’s like that guy on “American Idol” you hope sticks around for another week. Never content to stir up the same old brew, Macek’s caffeine-infused performances are part of reemerging genre of coffeehouse crooners, full of open-mic banter and free refills on kitsch.

His sound is part James Blunt, part James Taylor, with a squeeze of preppy vagabond and youthful optimism. He’s got the whole Jude Law look thing going on, his intimate performances more “I Heart Huckabees” than “Alfie.”

Will this singer-songwriter from Pennsylvania make the big time? That’s anyone’s guess; lucky for you, he’s still playing acoustic shows at Costa Mesa watering holes and hawking his album “Living Dream” out of his Ford Focus.

The Daily Pilot recently sat down with Macek to talk about his chances and discuss the ever-changing music business. Here are some excerpts from that conversation:

Q: What was it like playing at the Sundance Film Festival?

A: The exposure that I received from the festival was immense, and just to be in the presence of artists that I look up to and are influenced by such as Dave Matthews, Mike Doughty, Stewart Copeland, Rufus Wainwright and Matisyahu was a blessing.

Q: Why did you decide to move to California?

A: The weather and opportunity. It was either New York City or the LA area, but there was something about the OC. It’s like a central hub for Southern California.

Q: Did anything about Orange County surprise you?

A: The women and the cost of a Pabst Blue Ribbon [laughs]. Seriously, I guess I’m surprised by the amount of opportunity there is out here.

Q: Do you ever feel like there’s too much opportunity in Southern California, like there’s so many things going on, no single opportunity opens that magical door for you?

A: Absolutely. So Cal has so much to offer, so when I have a show, so does Coldplay and the Angels are playing at home and the Ducks and there is a movie premiere. It never ends. The competition is incredible. At this point in my career, I almost feel that I have to make shows convenient for everyone. I’ve met so many people out here, but never in my life have I met so many people that don’t follow through with what they say. there are so many excuses that I’ve become numb to most of them.

Q: What is the most challenging thing about promoting yourself as a musician?

A: It’s very hard to promote to the convenience of the public. I’m not one to shove things in people’s faces; it’s uncomfortable. So the constant challenge of trying to get your name out there without turning people away instantaneously is a challenge. Another form of promotion is the simplicity of your personality. No one wants to promote…people that are hard to handle.

Q: How important are sites like MySpace to promoting yourself as an artist?

A: MySpace has been nothing but good news for me. So many more people have heard of me or my music because of these sites. It’s a constant struggle to try to promote yourself, and these sites are all helpful in doing so.

Q: How is the concept of “word –of-mouth” changing in the music community?

A: I think it’s the same concept, but it just works on two totally different levels. New music is always sought-after, and the word-of-mouth is by far the greatest form of promotion. Think about how bands got discovered or even how you’ve found out about some bands — live performances, free music, downloads.

I remember when I studied in college all the Dave Matthews downloads and the Napster craze. I found bands like Dispatch, Guster, O.A.R., Slightly Stoopid all because of word-of-mouth and free music.

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve been given by someone in the music business?

A: Marty Wheeler of BMG/Sony always tells me that all it takes is that “one hit song.” As always, I think it’s easier said than done. Every song I write is a hit song [laughs], at least in my mind.

For me, I really try not to concentrate on the hype. I’m an honest singer-songwriter who writes what’s on my mind or in my heart. Eventually, I believe, a hit song will come out of me. Dan Keen from ASCAP [Assn. of Composers, Songwriters, Lyricists and Music Publishers] once told me, “I think you’ll write a hit song by about your 70^th song.”

Q: The cost of producing music and promoting yourself has been dropping with the increasing popularity of the Internet. How has this changed music?

A: Nowadays, everyone has access to creating their own demo. With that music we clutter the Internet. Good news: We have a lot more music to listen to. Bad news: It’s getting harder to find great music.

It used to be that the music industry would come find you. If you wrote that hit song or if you were marketable, they would take a chance on some new talent. It’s harder for the industry to do that these days. Now you see powerhouses combining, like BMG and Sony. Now, demos are so easy to make, you see bands creating albums out of their basement.

I still feel the way to go is through live performances and creating that buzz. Companies are as desperate to find you as you are to find them, but with the ever-changing industry, these companies won’t work as hard to find you. They’d rather pick someone up who already has an established fan base and that buzz. It makes sense, it’s just easier said than done.

CENTERSTAGE:	What do you think about downloading music online?
MACEK:	I’m not opposed to it. I try to look at it optimistically and as an opportunity. I’m passionate about my music and want EVERYONE to take a listen to it, even if it’s downloaded for free.
CENTERSTAGE:	What aspect of making music excites you the most right now?
MACEK:	Making music is an art form. I write my own lyrics and create my own melodies and verses. I take pride in my work. I’m very passionate about creating something and sharing it with the world, in hopes people fall in love with it.
CENTERSTAGE:	What excites you the most about music?
MACEK:	Relating to people through my own experiences. I love getting fan mail and responses about other people’s experiences and relative stories. People get to learn more about me through my music, but also, they seem to tap into their own emotion realm at times and that’s exciting to see.
CENTERSTAGE:	What discourages you the most about music? What aspect of making music gets you the most discouraged?
MACEK:	II'm not exactly the most patient man, so the fact that at this point in my career, I can’t just pick up and tour the world can be frustrating, but I’m honestly trying to enjoy the ride as it comes. I write a lot, but sometimes I write and then when I come back to it, the idea isn’t as strong as I first thought it was. So, re-writing can be discouraging at time, but it’s also something that help you grow.
CENTERSTAGE:	Tell us about the most exciting thing happening with your music right now or in the near future.
MACEK:	II'm very excited about the release of my new album “Just Right” as one of the songs, “Home” has already been nominated for the Hollywood Music Awards. Also, being honored “Best Male Vocalist of the Year” at the Los Angeles Music Awards was a blessing. I hope to continue to prosper, learn and develop as my music moves forward.
CENTERSTAGE:	What are you up to right now, music-wise? (Current or upcoming recordings, tours, extravaganzas, experiments, top-secret projects, etc).
MACEK:	I just released my new album, called “Just Right” that is available worldwide, from iTunes to a hard copy at http://macek.myshopify.com Now, it’s time to tour and get the word out on the new product!
CENTERSTAGE:	Name the most unusual place you’ve ever played or made a recording. What made this place unusual and how did it effect the music?
MACEK:	Well, I’ve recorded a lot of my ideas in the bathroom! (haha) I know it sounds strange to many people, but I know there are a lot of musicians that are the same page. The acoustics sound great in there! (lol)
CENTERSTAGE:	In what ways does the place where you live (or places where you have lived), affect the music you create, or your taste in music?
MACEK:	I’m originally from Pennsylvania and made the venture out here to California. Two completely different environments. I felt as though my music style fits the laid back atmosphere, but more importantly, the opportunities of being close to a big city such as LA and San Diego directly affect my music and taste in music. There is so much great talent out here.
CENTERSTAGE:	When was the last time you wrote a song? What can you tell us about it?
MACEK:	I always dabble, but I’ve completed a song recently. It’s more a direct story of a situation that happened about a special someone I wanted to like, but who failed to communicate properly, was not trustworthy simply made too many excused for her own good. The song is called, “You Just Bring Me Down.”
CENTERSTAGE:	As you create more music, do you find yourself getting more or less interested in seeking out and listening to new music made by other people...and why do you think that is?
MACEK:	I get into listening to WAY more music. I LOVE music and don’t think I can live without it! And I’m always on the hunt for new artists and new music. It’s a learning experience and extremely inspiring. It’s like doing research for your term paper, or scouting a player to be on your team. I don’t really look at it as competition, but more of a family environment. If I hear something that I like, I don’t get jealous, I want to perform with them!
CENTERSTAGE:	Lately what musical periods or styles do you find yourself most drawn to as a listener? (Old or new music? Music like yours or different from yours?)
MACEK:	I’ve noticed that the older I get, the more mellow I’ve become and I’ve seen it develop in my own music. My lyrics have become deeper and my music more grove based. However, I’m still very versatile in my music listening. I love old school rap and hip hop, but also enjoy some polka music. (hey, it’s in my blood, haha)
CENTERSTAGE:	Name a band or musician, past or present, who you flat-out LOVE and think more people should be listening to. What's one of your all-time favorite recordings by this band/musician?
MACEK:	I have to say that Dave Matthews is that guy for me. His demeanor, music style and personality are simply inspiring to me. I was fortunate to meet him and he was just as great in person. I’ve related to his music throughout his career and have appreciated his overall vibe for well over a decade now. Plus, all his charity work and willingness to support up and comers is humbling. And as far as recordings, I still love “Under the Table and Dreaming” as one of my favorite albums of all time.
CENTERSTAGE:	Name the one thing you want people to know about you and your music.
MACEK:	I want people to know that my music is honest. They are all written by me, but really look forward to sharing more of my music with the world. Hope you take some time to check out my work, enjoy!