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CHIPPING AWAY!
An
Interview with Dave Klein of AKIVA
By Don
Sill
AKIVA,
the Merrick based duo (David Klein and Chris Heinz) met in the lower east side of Manhattan while they were both jamming within the NYC bar circuit. Heinz was in a jazz unit at the time while Klein played solo on acoustic guitar. One day within the mix, the two began talking and clicked. Klein and Heinz soon decided to join forces and blend their musical talents together to create brand of groove oriented Folk/Rock to the forefront. The result is a G.Love meets Dave Matthews type of vibe.
How would you describe the overall sound of Akiva?
KLEIN:
Well, I come from the Folk/Funk/Pop/Soul/Blues/Rock school of thought myself. Seriously though, my music is groove oriented Folk/Rock with Pop overtones. Think - G.Love meets Dave Matthews.
Tell me about your songwriting process
KLEIN: For me songwriting is an instinctive process. The words flow when I'm playing guitar and I don't have much control. Sort of like "The Greatest American Hero" from back in the day, I'm trying to learn how to control and refine my powers of song craft. I've also been writing a lot away from the guitar - trying to separate the process so I can focus more on each.
What
inspires your music?
KLEIN:
I tend to write about the way I'd like things to be. A perfect world kind of thing I suppose. Or perfect people.
What
about the current Long Island music scene? What is your opinion of it?
KLEIN: To be honest, I don't know if I'm informed enough to comment. I know it's tuff getting people down to a show on a weeknight...but is that really different anywhere you go? I'd say overall the landscape leans more towards heavy rock. If you look hard enough though, you can find what you're into.
How
can we improve the local rock scene?
KLEIN:
Support people like Rick Eberle (of IRIDESENSE & now LongIsland.com) who have done nothing but tirelessly pursue the betterment of this scene.
Where do you think you guys fit in among the local music circuit?
KLEIN:
I'm not sure that we do fit in just now. The music is eclectic. It's not out and out rock - and I think that's what dominates here. But we're chipping away?chipping away...
What separates your band from other rock acts on the local scene right now?
KLEIN: About 2 Musicians! Actually I think compared to what's out there, we offer a refreshing twist on things. Just different. Come see...
What other local bands do you think rock?
KLEIN:
You've got to give it up for IRIDESENCE, HALFMANWONDER, BEAT RADIO, COMMON ROTATION (they did move out to LA so I don't know if they count), and solo artists like GREG FINE.
Why should someone go out and see you guys live?
KLEIN:
Cause you get a 110% of me every time you come. Plus I do shake a mean groove thang.
Favorite
place to play?
KLEIN: The Living Room - NYC
Any rituals before you go onstage?
KLEIN:
I do have a tendency to misplace my guitar, so I usually check for that.
Any talks from labels or anything brewing?
KLEIN:
I'm currently in the studio working with Producer/Musician Phil Jimene (Wheatus) on my first full-on album. It's damn special so far and I can't wait until it's released. I have high hopes for the future. I've also made sure to keep it all in the L.I. family by enlisting the talents of local celebrities such as Dave Moriarty of HALFMANWONDER and Brian Sendrowitz and Tim Lannen of BEAT RADIO.
What are your ultimate goals?
KLEIN:
I want to do this for a living. Of course I fantasize about being famous and having my own action figure... But, my goal is to be happy. For me that means having the freedom to write, play, and sing for anyone willing to listen, anywhere. Basically I hate my day job and I want to live on a bus.
Cool, whats next?
KLEIN:
Finish my record, force millions of people to listen, and continue carving out my niche in the musical community.
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