LA.CityZine decided to bend the rules a little bit and allow solo artist Topher Mohr to be a part of our “Get to know your LA Bands” series. Although he’s only one man, he’s been able to make quite a few waves.
He composed and produced music for companies such as Verizon, ESPN, Estee Lauder, Vornado Realty Trust and CSFB/ He performed and wrote on Alice Smith’s GRAMMY nominated “For Lovers, Dreamers and Me” (Sony/Epic). He has a album out called “True Love on the TV Set,” which you can purchase here for $10.
He’s just about the kick off his 50 city tour on June 13th at the Knitting Factory. If you can’t make that show he’ll be back on September 9th in Los Angeles, keep an eye out on his MySpace for information on the venue.
LA.CityZine was lucky enough to speak with Topher Mohr and ask him about his music, touring, and more…
Could you give a brief description of your music? Do you have others that you would consider as part of you “band”?
Although I’m billed as a solo artist, I couldn’t do it without my boys. Alex Elena is my drummer. He and I co-produced my record. He has a long list of credits including everyone from Avril Lavigne to Iron Maiden to Alice Smith. Riley Geare is one of those guys who can pick up any instrument and be great. He plays keys and guitar with me, though he is also a fantastic bassist and drummer and the best melodica player in the world. Justin Valdivia is the newest addition. He has to go through a little hazing before I say anything nice about him.
What was the first record/cd/tape you ever bought? And where did you buy it?
Michael Jackson “Thriller.” I’m standing by it. I still wear a Beat It button on my guitar strap. I think I remember getting it at Sears at the mall.
How long have you been playing music and how many instruments can you play?
I’ve been playing music since I was a little kid. I started out on violin, then switched to trumpet in junior high. I started playing guitar my junior year of high school. I can fake it on keys, bass and drums, but I’m fortunate to be surrounded by guys who can really play.
How do you get ready for a live show?
Run around like a maniac loading gear and answering a thousand phone calls about the guest list.
What would be the best compliment someone could give you about your music?
It made them smile
What’s your favorite song to play live?
Killer
Dead or alive. What 5 acts would you have play with you at a festival?
- P-Funk
- Prince
- JImi Hendrix
- Outkast
- Elvis Costello
If you could rid the world of one song, what would it be?
Excellent question. Sweet Caroline.
What was your favorite venue for a show?
Blind Pig - Ann Arbor, MI.
What’s your most memorable experience on the road story?
3 women with a combined weight of 1,000 pounds and a drum tech breaking a hotel room bed.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
The Indigo Girls. That first record had the greatest songs. Amazing lyrics. Don’t tell anybody.
Who would play you in a film based upon your life?
Ving Rhames
What’s the best cure for a hangover?
More booze.
What’s the best piece of advice someone has ever given you and did you take notice?
Never stop believing in the power of Rock. You bet your ass I took notice.
What would be your perfect LA day?
Hmmm. I’m still getting to know LA. I moved here from NY a few months ago. You gotta get out and enjoy the weather. Maybe a hang at the Getty followed by an outdoor concert. I haven’t been to the Hollywood Bowl yet. I want to check that out.
What three things could you not live without?
Good people, good booze, good jokes.
What messages do you hope your songs send out to listeners? If any.
Don’t take life too seriously.
Tell us a fact about yourself we probably don’t already know.
Subscribe to our RSS Feed And checkout our coffee competition to win a $30 gift voucher to your favourite coffee shop : click hereMy great great great great great uncle wrote Silent Night. Joseph Mohr, look it up. So you could say the songwriting thing is in my blood. Except I was adopted.
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
2 responses so far ↓
1 Seraphina // May 26, 2008 at 8:17 pm
Oh, The Blind Pig! I’ve been there. Finally - something I miss about Michigan.
2 Marcy // May 28, 2008 at 11:51 am
Topher I miss you and your guitar!
Leave a Comment