Hawaii Surf 63

DG - What about once you finished recording. Did you do much in production?

TL - My neighbor, Jim Miracle, helped us transfer it to digital format, and then we had it mastered down in Los Angeles by a guy named Bernie Becker, but he basically just made sure all the levels were even and tried to bring out the presence of what was already there.


DG - Listening to your album, I can think of someone like Jack [Johnson], with a sound not unlike your own, who has a successful career with a major label, Universal. I would have thought a label would have been interested in what you've made here. Have you considered shopping it around?

TL - Well, there have been some labels that have shown some interest like Vanguard, and a couple other things were talked about, but nothing has really come of it. I'm not much for shopping things around... I remember Jack telling me that people in the industry don't usually listen to something unless it comes from someone else they know or whatever. I kinda feel like if something is meant to be, it will happen...the way I look at life is just do your thing, keep working, keep giving thanks. Everything finds its place eventually.

DG - I understand what you are saying - that the music should do the talking, but that doesn't necessarily mean anyone is going to take the time to discover it, and support it. How are people discovering your music?

TL - The Internet has been really helpful--other musicians linking their sites to mine... Jack has been instrumental by putting a link to my site from his, which has brought some new listeners and much needed support. "The Beautiful Girls" (an Australian band) put a link to my site from theirs... Brett Dennen, a folk singer/songwriter who is up and coming and has been getting a lot of airplay, has done the same... Also 'street teams' have been very helpful in getting my music out there. Basically fans and supporters will pass out fliers in their local areas that promote my music in exchange for free T-shirts and CD's.

DG - I've found CD Baby great to deal with - are you familiar with them?

TL - Yeah, I actually just sent in my first CD's to be sold through CD Baby. It seems like a good way to get it out there without being too involved with a second party.

DG - Ok Ted, you probably knew this question was coming, but are you working on anything that might turn up in public soon?


TL - Yes, I've been recording with a friend here in Ventura. He has some nice equipment and a good ear for production. It may take a little time. I'm thinking about possibly putting out a single with a couple extra tracks--maybe by spring of this year...if it feels right.

DG - So is your sound likely to change?

TL - Well, what I'm working on now is a really different experience because we are doing it digital, using nicer vocal microphones...laying each track separately, using a click track and taking a lot more time with each song. I think it takes discipline to record in that manner, and it is good for me to try something different, a little more 'professional' I guess you could say.

DG - But even with the technology, you've still got to have a vision of the song?

TL - Yes, the song has got to be there. Then technology can serve the song, versus the song depending on production to make it.

DG - To bring it back to this debut album. I really like the lyrical content, and when you sing it, it's very storyteller. It gives me the feeling it's all really heartfelt and lived through. Is it?

TL - Well, I would hope all artists put their heart into whatever they do, but yes--the only way I can sing about something is if it is inspired from real life experiences I have lived. If I haven't lived it, it's not really my place to write about it...

DG - Well, thankyou for this debut album. I look forward to what you put out next. In the meantime, on behalf of myself and the readers at All About Surf and All In Tune, thank you for taking some time out to talk about yourself and your music. Best wishes for your musical future, and for surf.

TL - Thanks a bunch Daniel, happy trails... Ted

http://www.tedlennon.com
http://www.cdbaby.com/tedlennon