Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: My mother played the piano before I was born. I have music in my blood since birth and actually learned to play piano when I was four years old and started playing the clarinet in 3rd grade, moving to bass clarinet in the orchestra. I was given an acoustic guitar when I was 13 and joined my first successful band as a bass player, The Tropics at age 16. We played The Beatles, James Brown, Paul Revere and the Raiders and began writing our own songs shortly thereafter.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “The Charlie Souza Band”?
A: Just by selling a product I believe in, my songs and my band. First, I would like to recognize my band mates. Guitarist Eric Turner inspired me to record my songs and was a big part of the production end, and co-writer as well as the best guitar parts ever! http://charliesouza.com/bio/eric_turner.html
Drummer Bill Lordan helped bring the music on the Compilation Album up to another level. His credentials speak for themselves! Former Sly & the Family Stone drummer, and played on some of the most iconic albums in The Robin Trower Band. http://DrummerBillLordan.com As also a co-writer, he gave the music some of his own creativity.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: Most of all, the younger musical artist creating new music. This inspires me the most. Not just one artists, but many, many artist dating back to the beginning of my career in the ‘60’s! After many years of touring and recording, I’m able to use a new perspective which inspires me to create more music that comes from the heart and soul of this ‘ol bass player.
I’ve also been influence by the artists I’ve recorded and performed with including Tom Petty, Gregg Allman, Bill Champlin, Michel Colombier, New Cactus Band, Robin Trower’s drummer Bill Lordan, The New RASCALS featuring Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Dino Danelli & Gene Cornish with Bill Pascali of Vanilla Fudge, Fred Willard, Chicago Guitarist Donnie Dacus, Eric Turner of The Tropics, Bacchus and Fortress, and began his career with Florida Music Hall of Fame Nominees The Tropics
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind, “The Compilation Album.”?
A: After recording the album “Live Your Dream” and “9 Ball in the Corner Pocket” it was brought to my attention that some songs on both albums should be made available on one compilation. So we arranged the songs in a different order for the Compilation. It’s the same message that the songs have always had, “Live Your Dream”, “Don’t Cry Wolf” and “Find Our Way Home” are the first pieces that come to mind.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Classic Pop Rock ‘n’ Roll, Blues ‘n’ Soul. (could find one word that would cover it. Had to use six!
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “The Compilation Album”?
A: The songs just came, it was a natural process that flowed like water down the river. And then, I could not drive to the studio fast enough to record the songs!
The Charlie Souza Band wasn’t a challenge as I was working with all professional players and sound engineers.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: It’s the same message that the songs have always had. The titles speak for themselves, “Live Your Dream”, “Don’t Cry Wolf” and “Find Our Way Home” & “New York City Dreams”. My goals are to share my music with all who will hear it. And to listen to as much music by other artists who inspire me greatly! http://charliesouza.com/
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: Sting – John Lennon
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: Don’t listen to others who critique you music in a positive and/or a negative way. Listen to your own feelings and trust your own judgement of what you are writing and the melodies that you create and comes naturally to you.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: Work hard at your craft, listen to others and learn from it.
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