Radio Interview with WIUX LP 100.3 FM (Eclectic Experience with Eliza Show)—February 1st, 2007
1. Tell me about yourself and what you do…
Well, I’ve been playing guitar for about 8 years now and composing music for 5. Along with being a music student here at IU, I teach guitar and songwriting, do session work, compose music for different media types, and I’m currently recording my debut album “Exile.” I always have thought about music as something that should be expressive of the composer and in this way of thinking, I have come to eliminate all boundaries or borders of genre and style when I write. I have the belief that the numerous styles and genres today are simply more tools that a modern composer can use to fully express what he wishes; and not something that divides “Popular Music” from “Art Music.”
2. What are some of the things you have accomplished so far?
As far as teaching goes, I have taught at numerous guitar workshops including, “The Next Step” guitar workshop at the Oakbrook Academy of Music and Art in Chicago. I am also teaching many guitar students and have started a songwriting class which will begin in a few weeks. Also, I’ve finished a Guitar Instructional E-book with many other professional musicians, which you can check out at thenextstepguitar.com
3. What is on the way or future plans/goals of yours?
Ultimately, I am a musician and not solely a teacher, so right now I am working on finishing up my debut album “Exile.” However, I am also going to be featured on a compilation CD featured with many professional musicians, titled “Chronicles: City of Sound,” and both of those should be out by this summer. I also am planning on doing a guitar clinic tour with many of those same professional musicians from the Compilation CD as well as my own tour when I move out to LA this August.
4. Can you tell me a little bit more about the concept between your two albums and what we should expect from them?
Sure, the concept is borrowed from the Eastern ideal of Yin and Yang. Yin tends to be more “feminine” and Yang is more sided toward “masculinity.” “Exile” is supposed to be representative of “Yin” and all of the music on it is based on the stereotypes that is associated with “femininity,” like gentleness, compassion, and reality. The second album, which is based off of the stereotypes of “Yang,” is titled “Embrace” and is the complete opposite of “Exile.” However, just like in the ideal of “Yin and Yang,” these two albums are opposites, but compliment each other to create a “Whole.”
5 Are you currently teaching music or guitar of any sort?
Yes, right now I teach private Guitar and Songwriting lessons out of my studio and I am always willing to take on new students.
6. Do you have a myspace page or any other website where we can listen to your music?
Yes, you can go to my main site at http://www.kolemusician.com or visit my myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/kolemusic
Thanks for your time and I wish you all the best. It was my pleasure.