When Jeremy and Christine Stork first joined forces in the late ’70s (in the popular cover band Casablanca), they had no idea what the future would bring, or that their union (both matrimonial and musical) would evolve into the beautiful, genre-defying mix of melody, vocals, and top-notch production which, as Studeo, has led to – in just two years – multiple single-and-EP releases , a record deal, and international acclaim.
Bringing a wealth of talent and decades of experience (Jeremy played guitar for Melbourne’s Moby Dick prior to the formation of Casablanca, opening for such legends as the Little River Band, AC/DC, and Skyhooks; Christine has played in multiple cover bands and is a formally-trained vocalist), Studeo’s songs are as refreshingly real as their love for the music and one another is enduring.
There is a current buzz in the SF BayArea that Studeo may be up for a GRM Award this year.
1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?
Christine and I have been playing music for most of our lives. I started playing in high school and Christine started in her late teens…. So it began as a love for music which grew into a desire to play and perform. We were both lucky as we got together in the ‘70s and we were part of the biggest entertainment agency in Australia at the time. So, we had a lot of gigs in great venues and supporting big acts at the time. Studeo’s major influences are Fleetwood Mac, Linda Ronstadt, Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Eagles…….because Christine came from the UK, she has a background influence from British artists such as The Beatles, Dusty Springfield and Petula Clarke.
2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then music-wise, what separates you from other musicians?
Studeo has a unique sound and is unique in that we are multi-genre. Our songs are all different in genre. Overall, we are Adult Contemporary, but we have everything from Jazz (Running & Our Perfect Place To Be), Rock, Pop, R&B and we have even recorded a Disco song for our new album. What separates us is our use of harmonies, harmony guitar, Christine’s great voice and of course the variety in our songs. We have a great producer, Paul Rockwell, who is effectively part of the band. He has produced all of our music which provides consistency to Studeo’s sound.
3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of songs you write? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming a musician?
Yes, even though we all go through adversity in life, Studeo takes a very positive outlook. Our songs are mostly positive and are heavily influenced by our own relationship. They reflect our travels and our love for travel and are precious to us. So, our music contains a lot of our life experiences and memories.
4.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs? What is your song-writing and recording process?
We try to be very organized with our song writing. Firstly, we make sure we have access to record basic audio (smart phones) wherever we are. This is so we can capture any ideas at any time. We also take a small travel guitar with us wherever we go, again to develop any ideas at the time. Our songs have been written around the kitchen table, on the deck of a cruise ship, in exotic locations such as Khao Lak (Thailand) and even in the swimming pool in Puerto Vallarta (Mexico).….Depending on whether a song starts with a melody or some words or phrases, we will try to develop the initial idea and so that we have a story to tell. The basic question is “what are we trying to say? Once we have a story, it is much easier to develop the lyrics.
5.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed?
Studeo endeavours to promote ourselves in a structured and organized way. We are signed with Bongo Boy Records, who release, promote us globally. We also manage radio airplay and try to maximize airplay of our songs. We develop relationships with the radio stations and take the time to sit in on chats etc…We constantly seek out opportunities to promote ourselves in magazines, blogs, interviews and awards……It is a huge job because we have to be prepared not just with our music, but with photos, graphics and press releases. We need to keep our website and social media up to date and promote them.
6.) Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? In regards to the music industry itself, do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead?
I think it is still easier to be with a major label. However, I don’t think there are opportunities with major labels as there were in the past. The major labels have a reduced influence as songs are not selling as they used too….with streaming on Spotify, Jango etc and the fact that you don’t have to buy an album anymore (buy 1 song at a time) revenues are squeezed and a lot of musicians are back on the road trying to make a living. Working with Bongo Boy Records has been great for us, as they cover a lot of activities that we have access to which we wouldn’t have on our own. They not only distribute and release our music worldwide (including Asia), but distribute our music videos, organize radio airplay, manage the online retail outlets, magazine reviews, and support projects such as our Grammy submission from last year.
7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves?
The internet and social media are the lifeblood of the industry. It allows artists to promote, communicate and showcase their music, videos, articles or in fact any activity or event. It is the essential tool for the industry. We spend time every day to promote and respond to our fanbase.
8.) Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s music industry if they’re not social media savvy?
Quite simply no. If you can’t do it yourself, then you need to find someone to do it for you. It is the only way that you can reach the people you need to reach out to. Whether they be fans, radio stations, awards and of course keep up to date on the business.
9.) Artists who try to make music for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure your music stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?
It is a difficult time and the industry is in somewhat of a transition to a new digital world. So, revenue opportunities are being squeezed and there is pressure to focus on any money-making opportunities. But I think that there is a balance of creating and releasing your music and also trying to maximize revenue opportunities. Studeo is well-organized and we plan and budget for the year ahead as in any business.
10.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
Studeo’s long term plan is to write and release an album each year and focus on promoting each song and all of the associated activities. We will look for opportunities to grow and expand our reach and most importantly enjoy the musical journey that we are on……