pcm's 'POP-IN' With: Jerad Finck

Independent Washington-based pop-rocker Jerad Finck recently chatted with our writer Kristyn Clarke about his music career, a new album and much more! Check out his music at his MySpace page to learn more about this new artist we're promoting!

Now, read on and get a feel for what Jerad Finck is all about:

Q: We see that you're ready to head back into the studio and start recording a follow-up to your debut album, what should fans be expecting this time around?

A: "I've done a lot more writing. I'm trying to get better as an artist."

Q: You just finished up a 40 city tour, what was that experience like?

A: "The most grueling experience of my life. A lot of fun! I saw about 38-39 states, saw a lot of the country. It was crazy and a great time. We'd play a show then drive 7 or 8 hours and do it all again. We broke down at the Hoover Dam one night and was stuck there for hours one night! We'll do the next tour in late spring/early summer."

Q: What is the writing process like for you? What inspires you?


A: "It can be any kind of moment. I try to capture just little snapshots of life. Reading a book, watch someone kissing their girlfriend, you know?"

Q: Where do you see the future of music heading and where do you see yourself in that picture?

A: "The pool of musicians has gotten so huge with things like MySpace, anyone can be a musician. People just aren't really buying CD's anymore either, it seems like the death of the album. I hope not. I hope that people keep writing great records. I just try to create something that will be around for a long time. "

Q: How would you describe your music to a first-time listenener?

A: "I definitely am more pop-rock, I think. I like energy in my music. I like bands like The Beatles, Sister Hazel and Green Day that are more upbeat."

PCM Buzzworthy Artist: Marykate O'Neil

Singer-songwriter Marykate O'Neil will drop her fourth solo release Underground February 3rd on Nettwerk/71 Recordings. Hey, that's tomorrow! PCM loves letting our readers know about artists that may not be on the Top 40 radio charts! The release is an eleven song album. We caught up with Marykate and she told us about upcoming touring plans and more! Be sure to visit her official page to get more info on this artist!

"I'm going to do an east coast tour to coincide with the release in February! I'm hoping to do some west coast shows in April, too," said Marykate.

To get to know Marykate a little bit more, check out her answers to some of the questions we asked her:

On where she sees the future of music heading and where she sees herself in that picture: "I think it's headed it a good direction, it's going back to the artists again. It's outside of the industry again and I think when that happens, music gets better. People are doing their own thing and labels don't matter so much anymore. That's a really great thing for music."

On how she describes her sound to a first time listener: "I think it's songwriter-y pop, it's melodic."

On her song writing process: "I wish I did have a formula for what comes first, it would be easy then cause I could stick to it! Ha! I do whatever I can find inspiration from first. Sometimes when I do a co-write, I work with however that person likes to write, you know?"

On who she would have loved to share the stage with: " Oh man, that's a good question. I think being on The Monkees and Jimi Hendrix tour would have been cool!"

Buzzworthy Artist Alert: Susannah Blinkoff

Susannah’s songs have been featured on MTV’s hit show “My Super Sweet Sixteen”, in the feature film “My Super Ex-Girlfriend”, as well as heard on over 200 college radio stations across the country. Her warm, intimate voice has drawn comparisons to Norah Jones, Liz Phair and Dido while her accomplished background as an actress gives her a chameleon-like performance style that is gracefully at ease in a variety of musical genres.

Be sure to visit Susannah Blinkoff's Official MySpace Page for all the latest info!