The energy flows, as The Prolific start to glow. No matter how big, or small the venue, together they are bound to rock your souls. Check out what vocalist Matthew Knox had to say during this interview featuring, “The Prolific.”
Where are you originally from?
Each of us has been in Los Angeles for a while now. I grew up in Camarillo, CA.
When did you start performing music?
At 16 I played my guitar at parties, on the street, in coffee shops, & at bus and train stops. The rest of the band were musicians at conception and just needed to get instruments.
Which instruments do you play?
I play a few instruments such as guitar, bass, and keyboards. I’d rather sing because people would much rather let me get away with it. Matt, the guitarist, plays guitar, bass, and keys. Murv plays bass, guitar, keyboards, and probably a few hundred other instruments. Danny plays drums, and will probably use other instruments for drumming equipment, so it’s best to just let him drum.
Describe your music interests and abilities.
“A riff, a melody, and a story to tell.”
I love music of all types, but I always return to the basics. I’ll also go to other genres for inspiration. My passion is to find inspiration, and echo it in somehow. My ability is to copy horribly, create intensely, and steal unconsciously. I’m not quite sure if that’s ability, or weakness.
What famous musicians inspire you?
Any innovator of any genre inspires me. If they were the first, I’d want to know. Did something like them exist before? Then I’d want to know what it was. I can list all the bands that people are used to hearing, but I always get new inspiration from finding out who inspired them like Sister Rosetta, bringing the proto-rock n roll. The source is the innovator.
What is some of your best musical memories?
I remember my first rock gig was playing in some garage with a friend at the time. Our instruments were pots, pans, and buckets. I think the crowd thought we were roadies for the band of the night, but we were the band! Another time I remember playing at a coffee shop and people really responding to it. It felt like heaven and there was something wonderful about saying everything I wanted to say, and it being accepted because it had a melody to it, and some rhythm behind it. It goes a long way as a song. I remember liking to make people happy with that. As a rock band I think it did the opposite, and I liked that too.
What public events do you have coming up?
We have an album, the first one actually, coming out next month. There will also be a special edition version to buy with 2 parts. We have a short film to accompany the album and an experimental app as well. We will be taping a performance next month, and then playing out starting in February or before.
What would you say to beginners to the industry, who are nervous?
You make the rules for you. Everyone will tell you what to do, and they are probably wrong. Decide on who you are making the music for. You’ll save yourself a lot of time if you do that.
“Advice, and a couple of dollars will buy you a cup of coffee.”
How do you balance your music with your family and friends?
I don’t … That’s a long story though, and that needs to change.
Where can we follow your career at?
At all the usual and unusual social sites and places you can buy music, etc.
Do you get nervous before a performance?
Yes, and that’s a good thing. The nervous energy is the best fuel for a good show.
Do you attend jam sessions?
I have been to some amazing jam sessions. I’ve been involved at times too. When everything clicks you are in another world.
Is your family musical?
My father was a songwriter. Never really “made it” as they say, but he still writes great songs. My great grand aunt was in vaudeville.
How do you handle mistakes during a performance?
Miles Davis said, “There Are No Mistakes.”
He had obviously never seen one of my shows.
I try to use that mistake, and build from it. Like if you bring in a wrong word, note, or beat, you use that to make something new. A lot of times that’s what makes a good show, a new song, or an inspiration for a new direction. Sometimes you have no choice! If you fight that then it makes it more of a disaster. Just go with it.
What are your thoughts on Another Destiny Project?
Love the idea of a global community of artists working together for a common goal in the form of an album or a song. I think Peter really has a good idea there. I think this day and age needs more people working together in art, and communication.
How do you feel about working with artists from around the globe?
It is inspiring, and I want to contribute more to that. Hopefully one song will have many artists – just like a film has a long list of people from everywhere. I think a song can have the same level of production.
About Johnny Naylor:
Johnny Naylor is the founder and owner of 1st Shot Music and a feature writer for Jammerzine. His work can also be found on 1st Shot Music and Naylor’s Notes. You can also get his latest updates on his facebook page.
