An Interview and Review of Steve Carlson's - Groovin' on the Inside

I found it! The CD that is going to be played until the heat of the laser melts it beyond recognition. Groovin' On The Inside, the latest release by Steve Carlson is that CD.

From the first song I knew it was going to be awesome. Rock, pop, country, folk, jazz, blues, and soul they're all here. The ballads are delivered in a voice so sexy in its earnestness and tone that it tickles the back of your neck as if he were speaking in your ear. The production of the entire CD is incredible, nothing is over processed but nothing is overlooked either. You can feel the real person singing and, despite full instrumentation, the vocal is not overwhelmed, not even once.

The arrangements exhibit remarkable musicianship. Not the least of which is a cover of the Zombies' She's Not There that abandons the sixties vibe for an acoustic opening that metamorphosis into a spectacular jazz butterfly. Phil Spector couldn't have done it better. I have to say it's in my top three greatest covers.

As I drove around with the windows down, sunroof wide open, and radio cranked up as loud as it would go I thought about writing a review. I wondered if I would be able to convey the permo-grin I had as I sang along dancing in my seat while other drivers wondered what I was on and if it was over the counter.

MySpace is a beautiful thing. Steve is part of Kane, a band I fell in love with years ago and their page linked to his. Imagine my surprise when I sent him a link to the review I did of Kane and he responded. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to ask if he would answer some questions as part of a review of his solo endeavor. He messaged back to ask away. His music puts an image in your head of what he would be like and from this I'm thinking it's not wrong.

I sent the questions and in no time answers came back. What can I say? If you don't fall in love with him after reading this then I can't help you but you should get the album anyway.

1) The quality of production on this album is amazing nothing was over looked. How long did it take?

The album took about three months to record. It was recorded in Las Vegas and because I spent so much time traveling last year (LA, Nashville, Argentina, Vegas), it actually stretched over a six-month span. We started in June and we finished it on Christmas Eve.

2) "Pinata Novia" appears for the third time on CD with this album, is there any particular reason?

Well, one version was live so I don't really count that as a produced track. I always wanted to re-cut that song. I love the simplicity and intimacy in the way I did it on "Spot in the Corner" but I wanted to add drums and bass. When I listen to both versions of the song, as a listener and not the songwriter, I like hearing it "big" and "small". Another reason it on the new album is that I decided that I really wanted to pick one song off each of my previous records to re-cut. That was the one.

3) "She's Not There" is a phenomenal cover. I hate to sound too American Idol but you really made it your own. How did the arrangement come about?

You know, it's weird. I heard the original by the Zombies one day in a store and thought it would be cool to cover. When I got home, I didn't have a copy of the track so I guessed the chords. I actually changed one of the minor chords to major (accidentally) and the song kinda just came out the way it's arranged. That's the great thing about music, or art in general, is that everyone interprets it differently. Your influences and music vocabulary influence how you create and even re-create art. In short, that's just the way I probably would have written that song :)

4) Liner notes indicate you not only play guitar, but dobro, mandolin, piano and organ. Is there any one instrument you prefer to compose on?

Each instrument inspires different melodies and ideas but I'd say guitar. Mostly cause I play it better than any of the others. I started to compose "I'll Remember You" on the guitar and then I realized it would sound better on the piano so switched midway through.

5) When you write, do the lyrics or music come first?

Both, but more often the not I hear a melody in my head and translate it to a vocal or musical line. Believe it or not, the song "Wonder of my World" started from a bass line that I heard in my head.

6) What is your favorite song on this album and why?

Such a hard question. Can I give three? :)
"The One I Want", "I Don't Want to Know" and "I'll Remember You"

7) The entire album is a vast departure from the country sound of Kane, you have jazz, folk, blues, and even opera making appearances. Is there any one genre of music that appeals to you more than the others?

I really like all kinds of music... It doesn't really matter the genre, I respect integral song-writing. I feel like I can usually tell when an artist is not inspired by what they're singing or playing. I like hearing the character in a singer's voice too. I feel that many vocalists today are produced in a way that is really over-tuned and too perfect and it kinda bums me out. I love the imperfections in old recording of Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Joe Cocker, Janis Joplin, Bob Marley, I could go on but you get what I mean.

8) "Wasted Jamie" is making its second appearance on a CD, is there a real Jamie?

Yes. I met her once. A couple friends took me out one night and introduced me to this girl who was engaged to be married. She started off complaining about how her fiancé treated her poorly and she proceeded to get extremely drunk as the night went on. She was also wearing a halter-top exposing her waist. So three reasons she became "waisted" Jamie. At the end of the night she turned to me and said, "What's wrong? Why are you so quiet?" My response was "I'm just groovin' on the inside". I woke up the next morning with whole chorus in my head.

9) Wish lists being what they are, who would you like to work with?

Phil Spector... kidding. Um good question. I think it would be incredible to write a song with Paul McCartney. I think it would be amazing to sing a song with Emmylou Harris. To be honest, I really like the people that I play and work with now.

10) Why did you choose "I'll Remember You" as the first release?

Feedback from fans, friends and industry. It was a hard choice.

11) When and where will you be doing promotion?

Soon. In some places we've already started. We are promoting on radio, publications, myspace, street teams, if you wanna be part of the street team please email throwinglove@stevecarlson.com.

12) Is there going to be a mass distribution so fans can call their local radio stations and make requests?

YES, as soon as the list gets to us, we will post it. The album should be at radio stations within the next month... probably less. We would love it if fans and friends would call in and make requests.