interviews

1. Where are you from, originally and what brought you to your home current home of Los Angeles?

I was born and raised in Berlin, Germany and moved to Los Angeles in
1988 to study drums at Musicians Institute.


2. What style of music would you say you do?

AAA Singer/Songwriter style Pop/Rock with some America/Folk influences.


3. What do you enjoy best - songwriting or performing and why?

I enjoy recording in the studio the most after writing a good song.


4. Who are your musical influences?

Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Christopher Cross, Alison Krauss, Kate
Bush, Rickie Lee Jones…too many to list!


5. Describe your favorite song you have written and why is it so
special to you?

No Ordinary Thing. I had quit music for 15 years and after having a career as a software architect, I quit my job and decided to write music again. Within days I couldn’t stop writing and the song No Ordinary Thing was one of the songs dealing with that phenomena. I started submitting the song and got horrible feedback, but I still loved it and continued to push it. Suddenly out of the blue I kept on getting fantastic feedback about the song, people requested it at shows, bought my CD because of it, it got picked for an indie movie, played on Internet radio and talk shows…it turned out to be its title…No Ordinary Thing.


6. What are your goals for the next 5 years musically speaking?

My biggest strength and what I enjoy most is music production. I love
to be in the studio, record great songs and put my stamp on it. I love
helping young artists to find their sound and to help shape them into
better musicians. So my main goal is to grow my production company
Tomcat On The Prowl Productions. Besides that I continue to write songs and am hoping to get more and more placements in Film/TV.


7. Tell us about your recordings and what's in store next.

I just started working on my new CD…most likely to be called Every
Single Day. It is the follow up to my 2008 CD All Of My Life. I am
recording, producing and mixing it again, just will have a few more
guest musicians on it and my mixing skills have gotten dramatically
better since the last CD (which is still pretty cool sounding don’t get
me wrong…).

8. Where can we buy your music?

http://cdbaby.com/cd/thomashornig or http://itunes.com/thomashornig


9. What are your views about where the music industry is heading in
your community, or on a global level?

Scary times and great times....it’s very interesting.  There are more
opportunities for indie artists to make it in today’s music world on
their own - that’s a great thing.  I am, however, very concerned about
society’s perceived view that music should be free.  I am also concerned that way too many songwriters are willing to give their music away for free instead of getting organized like screenwriters for example.  so that we can all make a decent living off our craft. Music is very difficult work, not everyone can be good at it - and since it’s so close to the heart. it is even tougher than most other jobs to survive the realities that the business side presents us with.


10. Anything pertinent you'd like to say about Songsalive!

SongsAlive! is a great organization.  I am in my 3rd year with you now and I have enjoyed many fun showcases!

 
Thomas Hornig
http://tomcatontheprowl.com

Where are you from, originally and what brought you to Las Vegas?

I'm originally from Southern California.  I got to Las Vegas the long way, by way of Ohio, Nashville and Alabama.  It seemed like a good next stop, plus I have family that lives there.

What style of music would you say you do?

I write in several genres, but overall I like to write story songs. I also like to write contemporary pop, but I've written a few songs lately you might describe as electronica rock.

What do you enjoy best - songwriting or performing and why?

Well I really don't have the opportunity to perform that much these days.  I'd have to say my main passion is for songwriting because it's a great way for me to express my feelings.  It's an outlet. And I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to make a ton of money off my royalties.  Let's face it - I do want to make money!

Who are your musical influences?

Sarah McLachlan, Diane Warren, Joan Jett, Patty Smythe, Don Henley, Pat Benatar.

Describe your favorite song you have written and why is it so special to you?

That's a hard one to answer, because it changes as I write new things.  Right now, my favorite song is probably "Amends." It's a very personal story about a relationship between a child and their father that wasn't always a good one.  I know there are many people that don't have good relationships with their parents, and this song touches on those feelings.  I think it's a very moving and poignant song.

What are your goals for the next 5 years musically speaking?

I'd like to get my songs recorded in a major film or television show, and to get my songs recorded by other artists.  To do it full time!

Tell us about your recordings. What's in store next?

In 2003,  I was co-creator on an instrumental project called "Healing: An Instrumental Experience." In 2007, I released a CD called "A Songwriter's Collage," which was mostly country songs.  Lately, I've been doing a lot of demo recordings of rock and pop for film and TV releases.  I'd like to put together a collection of these to release as well.

Where can we buy your music?

All of my songs are available at my website, cjborden.com.  My CDs are also available through iTunes and CD Baby.

What are your views about where the music industry is heading in your community, or on a global level?

I believe major labels may soon be a thing of the past.  They have way too much overhead, and have been way behind in grasping the new music business model.  It puts the indie artist on an even keel with everyone else. Now the problem is cutting through all the clutter!

Anything pertinent you'd like to say about Songsalive!?

I think organizations like Songsalive are the future.  It brings music back to a community level, where people help each other.  I'd love to see more people get involved and band together.