Jimmy Fountalas is the lead singer and creative brain trust behind the Chicago band, SUPERBIG. SUPERBIG is an alternative rock band based in Chicago, IL, consisting of lead singer/guitarist Jimmy Fountalas, drummer Frank Iffland, lead guitarist Patrick Senorski, and bassist Anthony Settecase. Since forming in 2007, the band has played some of Chicago’s most renowned stages, blasting out finely crafted bursts of crowd-pleasing rock n’ roll.
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?
I guess the same reason a drug addict would have, or those stupid moths, no choice. I have many influences who should not be my heroes and role models but hell I love John Lennon.
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?
One Direction, because I worry about my hair alot too. Besides my curly luscious locks, I am a good listener and love long walks on the beach. That’s what separates myself.
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?
I’m pretty hardcore. I wrote a song the other day AND I had an eye stye.
4.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs? What is your song-writing and recording process?
Getting into a dimly lit room and as long as there are some cool guitars sitting around, just the basics will do it for me. And a little weed never hurt nobody.
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?
Rock our ass off, rock our fans asses off and hopefully people keep buying tickets.
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?
We would like to me independently major.
Yeah, I think so. I think we’re going to see a lot of models go down.
7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves? 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?
Well, it’s basically band write the fan now.
Probably not, but who knows. But it would be pretty cool if someone could make it without it.
8.) 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”?
I really don’t think that matters to me. I am going to keep doing what I have always been doing. Keep on trying to write a great song and if it moves us and gets people hard and having a good time listening to it, that’s all that matters.
9.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
On the road or in some studio or a cooking show.
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