Having written for many different websites, publications, and publishers in the past, I’ve run into my fair share of artistic talents. One of which is the California based band, Adam’s Attic. This pop/rock band has been through it all: adversity, natural disasters, etc. Through it all, they’ve built strong relationships and bonds with one another. They’ve toured internationally, were the first runner up in the KTLA-TV Morning News Battle of the Bands, and they’re just all around nice guys.

One of their most recent projects was with the film, The Price of Honor, which will be showing at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington DC on June 10^th. It is being sponsored by Congresswomen Donna Edwards, Jan Schakowsky, and Carolyn Maloney, the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA) and the AHA Foundation in support of the current federal legislation of the UN Convention to End All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The film will also be released in theaters across America this summer. The film features their song, “A Night Without Armor”.

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing their front-man, Joe Henry, about what they’ve been up to lately and his creative process.

JB: Thanks so much for taking time out of your schedule to chat with me. How have you guys been lately?

JH: We have been great! Been busy promoting our album, “Can Anybody Hear Me” and Writing a ton of new songs.

JB: I can hear bits and pieces of your influences in your songs but the mix of all of those influences creates such a distinctive sound that’s all your own. For those who aren’t familiar with your music, how would you describe your sound to them?

JH: We are blend of a bunch of different feelings and emotions. Think The Script meets The Fray blended with OneRepulic and splash of Imagine Dragons

JB: How would you describe your creative process when you write your songs?

JH: Typically, I will sit down with an acoustic or a piano and just start writing a melody on basic chords. Once I have an idea that is strong, I will bring it to the guys and each of them will Write a part that fits.

JB: Is there an exclusive member of the group that write the various components of your tracks? For example, does just one member of the band write the lyrics? How do you share in the process?

JH: I typically write the lyrics but lately we have been collaborating a lot more. We have also been doing a lot of writing with our producer and friend, Thomas Barsoe.

JB: Being musicians, you must have thousands of different melodies, lyrics, combinations of different sounds, etc. How do you keep them all organized?

JH: They are like Ghost living in my brain and surface when they want…There really is no way for me to keep them organized. I just start writing and then they just come out.

JB: Do you use different methods to back-up your tracks and how often do you do that? I couldn’t imagine working on a song and then losing it if your computer crashes.

JH: Yeah, we Backup everything! All of the Band members and our producer are all on the same system so we have at least 5 ways to backup!

JB: Being a writer, I have Post-Its and notecards in every purse and bag that I own so that I can write down any ideas that come to mind. How do you stay organized when you are on the road?

JH: iPhone / memo baby! I use my iPhone anytime I have a random idea or vocal melody and record in real time! It is such a handy tool!

JB: Do you have any horror stories that you would like to share – about losing your work or computer crashes?

JH: Luckily no! We have been freaks about keeping tracks and sessions backed up!

JB: The band as a whole has been through a lot – especially losing everything in New Orleans because of Katrina. It must have been heartbreaking and traumatic to lose everything: your possessions, your previous work, your homes. I couldn’t imagine having to uproot and go somewhere new. What got you through that tough time?

JH: A large amount of faith! What we went through with Katrina was eye opening. When we lost everything we owned and our homes and all the things that we thought represented our lives were swept away in an instant. What we quickly realized was the people that really mattered to us the most were still safe and healthy. Suddenly we had clarity. Things can be replaced and homes can be rebuilt… Perspective is the key.

JB: Do you have any tips for someone who wants to move to California and make it big – but is too scared?

JH: Everything that you want out of life lies on the other side of fear. Dream and dream big…Life is for living and it’s way too short to live with regrets or what if’s.

JB: What’s next for Adam’s Attic?

JH: We are going to be filming a new music video and will release that it soon. We are also working on some new material and really want to put out a collection of songs with real substance! We are working on challenging ourselves to push beyond our comfort zones.

JB: One last question, name one unique thing that you have on your (personal) bucket list. For example, I want to be an extra in a movie and I also want to serve my future grandkids cookies and milk.

JH: I want to travel Europe with my wife and son!

JB: Thank you again for answering my questions. I can’t wait to hear more from you guys!

If you want to know more about Adam’s Attic, you can find them online at Reverbnation , YouTube , and on Facebook . Their latest album, “Can Anybody Hear Me”, was released on July 8.  It is available now on iTunes or any digital music outlet.

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