DJ Interviews: GIFTSHOP

Hey there guys DJ Dizzy here & I had the pleasure of interviewing a band who call themselves GIFTSHOP as they shared their musical origins. 

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN MUSIC?

We all grew up with music.   One of Meghan's fondest childhood memories is of her dad singing in the car.  Matt's father plays bass guitar and Jordan's dad is a drummer - both still performing in bands.  Damian's father was an amateur classical pianist.  Music was fun and important in everyone's home. 

INSPIRATIONS AND INFLUENCES

Meghan Taylor, Vocalist:  Missing Persons, INXS and John Denver.  I love John Denver.  He is my favorite artist. 

Matt Santoro, Guitar: The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Metallica

Damian Eckstein, Bass: The Cars, Depeche Mode and The Clash 

Jordan Kramer, Drums:  Chicago, Toto,  Led Zeppelin

ADVICE FOR ASPIRING PERFORMERS

Damian: Remember that it's a stage - people are watching you.  As a performing artist it's fun and important to interact with the crowd and also to interact with each other on stage.  GIFTSHOP gets a lot of energy from their audience and gives that energy right back. 

Meghan:  Have fun!  Don't be discouraged by the inevitable mishaps -  performance venues are not your living room so you have to adapt.  

HOW DO YOU SET YOURSELVES APART FROM OTHER BANDS OR SINGERS

We are seasoned performers.  GIFTSHOP does not put out anything that does not feel 100% GIFTSHOP which is how we get such an authentic sound and performance.  If a song doesn't feel right we don't work it to death - we table it and move on.  We know when something is ready.

FUTURE GIGS/ ALBUMS

We just released a new tune and video this past December: STYLISH JUNKIE.   Looking forward to our live streaming event for CultureLab Sessions, Long Island City on March 5th.  Our first LIVE gig is scheduled for September 18th at The Delancey in NYC.  Visit our website for scheduling and more info on GIFTSHOP:  giftshoptheband.com

Special thanks to them for doing this interview, & I wish them lots of luck in their music. So until then I'll catch you on The Flipside! Stay awesome & rock n roll!