Soundtracking: Interview with Val Emmich!

	SOUNDTRACKING Interview with Val Emmich! Soundtracking is a weekly column featuring indie, alternative, and all-around amazing music - published by music correspondent Laura Cushing on Gather.com. Soundtracking includes interviews, CD reviews, band and concert news, music trivia, playlists and much more!

This week on Soundtracking: Interview with Val Emmich.

This week, Soundtracking talks with musician / actor / author Val Emmich! This multi-talented New Jersey native has appeared on such shows as 30 Rock and Cashmire Mafia - and is about to release his fifth album. As if that doesn't keep him busy enough - he's also writing his first novel! Soundtracking caught up with Val Emmich via email and asked him some questions about his music, his acting, and life. As Soundtracking is also based in New Jersey, we also include a special 'New Jersey' question section! Just couldn't resist.

CLICK HERE to load my Songs of the Moment playlist that includes a Val Emmich song! Playlist opens in a new window so you can read and listen.

ST: Is Val short for something?

Val: Valentine, which is my father's name. It's Russian. My parents didn't give me the full name however. Legally, I'm just Val but that's where it comes from.

ST: What influences your songwriting?

Val: Everything really. Life. Other music, films, books, daily personal interactions, stories about other people. Even video games. If I play Guitar Hero too long, I end up wanting to write songs with tons of guitar riffs. I'm an extremely sensitive person and I'm constantly observing and letting things affect me emotionally.

ST: How many albums have you made? Where are they available?

Val: 1 EP... The Fifteen Minute Relationship (2002). 5 albums... Slow Down Kid (2003), Slow Down Kid (2004), Sunlight Searchparty (2006), Songs, Volume 1: Woodstock (2007), Little Daggers (2008). All can be ordered through my website - valemmich.com. Almost all are available or will be available on Itunes. CDs can be bought through CDBaby.com or Amazon.com.

ST: What's the release date for your new album?

Val: Not exactly sure. Late May, early June 2008.

ST: You're collaborating with Blake Sennett (Rilo Kiley, The Elected) - how did he get involved? Any other guest stars?

Val: I was in Los Angeles this past summer, laying down some early groundwork for the new album with producer Jason Cupp. He had recorded The Elected albums with Blake and asked him to come over and play guitar on this one song "Darling Denise." His part kind of made the song for me. I'm a big fan of his playing. Other than that, there were a few other guests. Mostly, however, it was my drummer Eric Micali and I who performed nearly all the instruments on the album which we recorded at his house and in my apartment.

ST: When will you be touring?

Val: Spring 2008.

ST: Who are some of your influences? What sort of music do you like?

Val: This might sound like a cop-out but my influences are constantly changing and evolving as I listen to new things. Mainly I just like honest music with a good melody and an authentic lyric. I go through periods where I hardly listen to any music. For the last few months, as I was making my album, I was in one of those periods but i've been slowly reemerging. I'm currently into the new Band of Horses album, the new Thrills record and I just bought Rivers Cuomo's solo album. While making the album, I was heavily into Pet Sounds by the Beach Boys.

ST: Tell us a bit about your acting career- how did you get started, and what have you appeared in?

Val: I started when I was in college. A friend suggested I try it and I did. I had pretty instant luck landing a few television commercials. Then I did a few shows including Third Watch, Ed and Hope & Faith. In 2004, I put the acting aside because the band and I were touring pretty heavily. Over the last few months, I picked it up again acting on NBC's 30 Rock and ABC's new show Cashmere Mafia. It's always been a curiosity to me. I'm attracted to anything that allows me to be part of the creative process and acting fulfills a certain part of that for me.

ST: When you're not making music or acting or writing, what do you like to do?

Val: I'm currently finishing up my first novel. Other than that, I'm also into graphic design and web design. At home, I'm extremely into cooking as well as Netflix, video games, and sports.

ST: Are there any causes that are important to you?

Val: Yes. I'm greatly concerned about the environment and try to stay as informed as possible. Check out stopglobalwarming.org. Like everyone else, I'm also looking forward to our next presidential election. I hope our country is brave enough to be bold with its decision.

ST: What one thing would you like to tell the world about you that they may not know?

Val: Apparently, I'm a pretty typical Pisces.

As Val is also a New Jersey resident, we couldn't resist asking him some Jersey-themed questions. Trust me, if you've lived in the Garden State, these questions will make sense to you.

ST: Wawa or 7-11?

Val: Whatever's closest.

 

ST: Do you believe in the Jersey Devil?

Val: If we're talking about hockey, yes. Otherwise, no.

ST: Have you ever had a life-changing moment in an all-night diner?

Val: Definitely. One time I even sat at the counter which is something only regulars do or people on TV. That, in itself, was life changing.

For more information:

• Val Emmich dot com

• Val Emmich Myspace

• Val Emmich on IMDB
  
  

FIRST TRACKS UPDATE !

Hey Musicians - the contest is on! Have you submitted your song? From now until February 27th, unsigned artists can submit their MP3 or video to the First Tracks contest for their chance to win a recording contract with Decca Records.

Check out the First Tracks group for more details!

If you've already submitted your song - what now? Check out the cool downloads section for banners, buttons, and a guide to promoting your song on Gather - no time like now to get ready to get those votes!

If you missed the Soundtracking article talking about the contest, click here to read it. We'll keep posting updates as the contest goes on.

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		Laura Cushing, Music Correspondent - Soundtracking
	Laura's column, 'Soundtracking' is published every Saturday in Gather Essentials:Music. Soundtracking is your guide to indie and alternative music -- featuring musician interviews, CD reviews, MP3 mixes, and discussions. Laura Cushing is a 37 year old writer from the New Jersey Pines. In addition to music journalism, she writes fiction and poetry. Keep up with Laura's music series by joining her network, or subscribing to her content.