- Introduce your self.
My name is Noah Siegel, and I’m from the
- Define Icarus Rising?
Icarus Rising is a music project of mine covering a wide scope of genres. This is not to say that we are some entirely unheard of and unique sound, but more that many of the songs I write for Icarus Rising fall into different genres. For example, Icarus Rising’s musical range could include a ska/swing song, a hip-hop/rock tune, or a punk song.
- Reading the bio you sent me, I'm a little confused as to what category to place Icarus Rising in. You said you are not a band, solo or duo musician because of the different venues you performed at. Would you say you and your friends are more of a musical ensemble?
I wouldn’t really call us a musical ensemble. The definition of who we are is a little more fluid, somewhat similar to how you would define our style of music. Icarus Rising is comprised of the people that the music and specific venue call for. If Icarus Rising is playing a small coffee shop, the music really just calls for me playing solo, or perhaps I’ll have one or two friends doing a little accompaniment on guitar, violin, or hand percussion. On the other hand, if Icarus Rising is playing a larger venue that asks for faster paced, louder music, there would be no sense in having a violinist with us. I don’t feel comfortable calling Icarus Rising my solo project because the musician friends I record and play shows with have greatly helped shape the sound of Icarus Rising, but at the same time there’s no particular “band members” other than me that will be at every single show.
- What image do you think your music gives out?
It’s hard to say. I do feel like it has some heavy roots in Pop-Rock which kind of gives out a brighter, happier image, and it’s also the tone I portray with my website and Myspace designs. At the same time though there are plenty of songs on the new album that are anything but bright and happy, so I think pegging the music with that image might not be entirely accurate.
- A lot of musicians said they get a buzz when fans in the audience sing along to their music. Do you get that same feeling?
Absolutely. The fact that they enjoy your song(s) enough to learn the lyrics and come to your concert and sing them gives you an amazing feeling of satisfaction. I’m always very hard on myself when it comes to writing my music and lyrics, and it’s as if they’re telling me that I’m actually doing alright at it.
- Do you collaborate with other artistes/musicians when writing? If so, who are they?
The core of every song I’ve written (except one song, called “Moonchasers” which I collaborated with a friend on) has been written solely by me. By “core” I mean the guitar and vocal melody. As far as the bass, lead guitar, etc. go I usually let the other people I record with do their thing, stepping in every now and then during the process to guide the music a bit.
- Who are your musical influences?
Sublime, The K.G.B., Pailboy (which consists of the lead singer and lead guitarist of The K.G.B.), Marcy Playground, and Ella Fitzgerald are my favorite groups/artists. I was actually able to work with Toby and Johnny Genius of Pailboy in my new album “Amorphous”—Toby is a featured guest vocalist on my song “Laila Tov” (Hebrew for “Good Night”).
- Where was the must memorable venue you ever performed at? (good and bad)
I played a Battle of the Bands at a Haunted House/Hayride on this farm out in Pennsylvania. There were a good amount of people walking around, some bonfires burning, and Halloween being my favorite holiday probably had something to do with me really enjoying it too. I remember when we pulled up to the stage with all our equipment, I took a look at the size of the stage, which happened to have a massive dragon on one side and a huge devil on the other, and I thought to myself, “This is going to be sweet!”.
Another very memorable show was a gig we played in Virginia for a large group of people who had just finished doing a day of community service. I wouldn’t call the show bad—I definitely had a lot of fun playing it and the people who were listening were really cool. It happened to be during the summer though, on a stage with no shade, and the weather had decided to be extremely hot that day. We were all roasting during the set, our fingers slipping around on our guitar strings. I specifically remember my friend Mike Okusami taking his water bottle right after the show and dumping it on his head to cool himself down, then immediately saying, “Eeeew! Bathwater!”
- Where can the readers purchase your CD?
The older album “Glimmer and Glamor” is available on CD Baby, ITunes, Amazon, and Snocap. The single “A Really Long Night” is only available through the Icarus Rising Snocap, which you can find both on our Myspace and our website (www.icarusrisingdc.com). The new album, which will be released next month, will be available through CD Baby, ITunes, etc. as well, but it’s also going to be offered directly through the website at a much cheaper price.
- Do you have any die heart fans?
Some, yes. They’re the ones that really help my music reach new ears the most, so I try to hook them up with unreleased tracks, early cuts of new songs, merchandise, etc. as much as possible.
- What is next for Icarus Rising?
Well, there’s an acoustic tour lined up for later this month, hitting up Boston, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, and D.C., so I’m very excited for that. We’re also playing the New York City Marathon this November, which should be an amazing experience, and I know that my guys and I are very eager to strut our stuff for the NYC crowd.
- What advice can you give to any artist who's trying to get into the business?
Don’t be afraid to get your music out there!!! I know countless musicians who have amazing songs and want their music heard, but for whatever reason they lack the drive to make it reach new ears. I specifically use the word “make” because that’s exactly what you need to do. Whether it’s constantly hunting down leads on possible gigs, burning tons of CD's of your music to give away to your friends, family, and random people you encounter, or busking in the park three lunchtimes a week, you have to be extremely proactive if you want to succeed.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain. So hit me with music.” –Bob Marley
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