Cazawa.biz Network

Booking Hotlist

DJ Booking Hotlist

Snapshots with Michael Jantz

Written by Bruce Moore

“The first night of the tour I sat on the side of the stage listening to Paul Simon. I remember thinking, ‘this is so fucking cool…please let this be my life’. ” Those are the words of Michael Jantz who has toured with legendary artists Paul Simon and Brian Wilson. Jantz is currently touring in support of Snapshots of the Universe. He recently took a moment out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions about the new CD and his current tour.

“Snapshots of the Universe” was engineered by Tom Schick an engineer who has worked with some of the biggest names in the music business. What was that like? Did you find it intimidating at all?

Normally it would be intimidating to work with someone like that. Tom and I grew up together in Cleveland. We played hockey together when we were little and played in bands together all through high school. He’s my best friend. Making a record with him was us just hanging out and doing what we do. He’s incredibly gifted both as a producer and an engineer, so it is easy to work with him. Mostly though we had fun and enjoyed the time together.

You have toured with legendary artists Paul Simon and Brian Wilson. What was that like? Did you receive a favorable response from their fans?

Touring with those guys was amazing. The first night of the tour I sat on the side of the stage listening to Paul Simon. I remember thinking, ‘this is so fucking cool…please let this be my life.’ The first CD hadn’t come out yet when we were on the road with them. We had a three song promo CD that people could get for free if they signed up on the email list. I think we gave away a couple thousand and the response was great, not only from their fans but also from the players in Paul Simon’s and Brian Wilson’s bands.

After years of building up a following in your hometown of Cleveland you relocated to Washington DC. Tell me about that decision and how difficult it was to reinvent yourself.

My girlfriend was moving to DC to attend graduate school and I had been thinking of leaving Cleveland for a while. Although Cleveland is an extremely comfortable town I had a feeling that if I didn’t get out soon I might not ever leave; I saw that with a lot of great players in town. They could be playing and touring with huge acts but instead they are playing the local jam night every week and hanging out at the same bars with their friends. Fortunately I had a lot of support from my family and friends and I had the confidence to feel like I was making the right decision. It was a rough start in DC. I didn’t really know anybody in town and my band was in Cleveland. I literally went back to playing open mics and playing at the Metro stops. After a while I plugged into the scene and wrote the new songs for the CD based in part on my DC experience; growing up will do that I guess.

How do you think you have grown as a songwriter over the years?

I feel I have greater confidence in the craft of songwriting than I did before. With this CD really wanted to make the recording process more organic in order to capture the right feel. I didn’t want to labor over arrangements or try to make anything perfect. When I moved to DC I started playing a lot more solo shows too. I had played with a band for three years before that. As a performer that really gives you confidence. If the songs work solo everything else is icing on the cake.

Are there any tracks on your new CD that are favorites or that have any good stories behind them?

I was living in a super small apartment when I wrote ‘Always on Time’. That song was written in the bathroom while I was sitting on the edge of the bathtub. That was the only room in the place that had a door for privacy. It was originally titled the ‘Bathroom Song’. As for a favorite song… I am really proud of ‘Turn on the Radio’-the production, the feel and the vibe.

What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?

When people here one of your songs and it moves them to tears; that is pretty amazing. When that happens and you know you have reached someone… that’s what it is all about. Those are the best moments you could ask for.

Every band or artist has it’s musical influences. What are some of the other bands or artists who have greatly influenced you and your music?

Right now I am digging on M. Ward, Niko Case, Citizen Cope, Jose Gonzales, Iron and Wine, Bob Dylan, Regina Spektor, the Black Keys and the new Nora Jones CD that Tom engineered. Hearing new music and new ideas has been the biggest influence. But then those ideas sink in and come out later on in some form or another. So I guess I have been influenced by all the stuff that I have listened to in the past as well!!

What message, if any, do you want your fans to walk away with after listening to your CD?

Don’t Smoke Crack! No seriously, I just want them to feel something when they listen. The great thing about songs is that everybody will take something different from them. If they get a message that’s cool too but for me it’s about the feeling.

How do you think your live performance differs from your studio work?

Live shows are more off the hook. You are trying to work the energy of the room, make people forget about their day, and have a good time. At least that is what I try and do. So the shows are in the moment. Maybe there is a joke or an alternate ending to a song or something is quieter, faster, or slower.

What’s next for Michael Jantz?

Touring, a live CD, and then the next CD… then more touring and more CDs!

Official Website: http://www.michaeljantz.com

< Prev		Next >

[ Back ]

Artist Gallery