What were you doing 8 years ago? Me? I was in the second semester of my freshman year of college. PensEyeView.com was just a glimmer in our eyes and I’d still need to wait 2 years to have my first legal drink. One music web site (and many, many legal drinks later), and here we are today. But what about our latest feature, NYC-based singer/songwriter John Brodeur? Well, 8 years ago he was recording his second solo record, “Get Through”, the follow-up to “Tiger Pop”. So you may be a little surprised to hear about Brodeur’s latest release… you see, it took about 8 years to put “Get Through” out on the streets.

Why? Bunch of things. Timing with band members. Money. Other gigs. Those kinds of things. Today, it doesn’t matter – we’re finally going to hear the album that is most of a decade in the making. We asked John about the collection: “It's a pretty dark record masquerading as a bunch of big pop anthems. Lots of pretty stuff to distract you from the fact that I'm singing about depression and heartbreak.” Definitely worth a pickup – the record gets even better with age!

Brodeur is now ever-busy, wrapping up his next solo album, “Little Hopes” for the summer time, as well as a re-issue of “Tiger Pop” come the Fall. He’ll be touring hard to support all of his records, so check out the schedule. He’s played with bands like 311, Gavin Degraw, The Bravery and PEV alums Greg Laswell, O.A.R. and Rooney. There’s much more below, so keep reading for the answers to the XXQ’s.

XXQs: John Brodeur

PEV: How would you describe your sound and what do you feel makes you stand out over the others in your genre?

John Brodeur (JB): Melodic guitar pop with a rock edge, featuring deeply personal lyrics infused with a touch of humor.

PEV: Calling New York City home now, what kind of music where you into growing up? Was anyone your main influence? 

JB: Like anyone else I raided my parents' record collection as a kid. Got into the Beatles and their solo albums (though there wasn't much solo McCartney around except for Wings Greatest), early Bee Gees, Zeppelin II (and IV, which we had on 8-track), and '70s singer-songwriter fare like Croce, Chapin, Diamond, Billy Joel, Cat Stevens. But the Beatles definitely had the biggest impact--I played the hell out of those records when I was little, and I still do today.

PEV: Having played in the business for a good time now, what was it like when you first started out?

JB: I started my first original (mostly) band in high school, and started playing gigs in the nearest "big" city (Albany) as soon as possible. That was about 17 years ago. The difference between now and then, I guess, is that I'm allowed to keep the car out later. And I write better songs. Otherwise not a lot has changed--I'm still making and distributing my music independently. The industry itself has changed a ton, but that's for another interview.

PEV: What do you feel makes the New York music scene so great and why did you decide to set up camp there versus that of LA – another hotbed for great music?

JB: Having lived just a few hours north (in Albany) for the last 10 years or so, New York was a natural move. (Plus, my wife was born and raised here.) Los Angeles definitely has its perks though--I wouldn't rule it out at some point in the future. As a songwriter, as opposed to a guy playing in a band, I think LA might be more suited to my style. But I'm stubborn enough to make a go of it here.

PEV: What can fans expect from a live John Brodeur show?

JB: My solo shows are probably the best representation of my personality. Totally sincere but never too serious, with no shortage of rock despite the acoustic guitar. Band shows are usually more aimed at the hard sell: less ballads, more straight-ahead bashers. One day I'll figure out how to bring the two together in a way that doesn't come across as awkward.

PEV: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you step on stage?

JB: Something like "where's my capo?" or "I hope I remember how this song goes." Usually takes a few songs for me to relax and settle into a groove and stop thinking about the process.

PEV: Since you started “Get Through” with a full band, and then turned into a solo project, did you find that you prefer solo over working with your band? What was the biggest difference you found? Good or bad. 

JB: I played almost everything on my first record, Tiger Pop, so I'd had the experience of flying solo prior to this album. I wouldn't say I prefer one over the other--on my own I get to dictate how every part is played, which allows me to get closer to the sonic vision I have in my head. With a band, the personalities of the other players change the color of the song, and I tend to find myself reconsidering the way I tackle my own parts (in a good way, usually). 

PEV: What can fans expect from your latest release, “Get Through”?

JB: It's a pretty dark record masquerading as a bunch of big pop anthems. Lots of pretty stuff to distract you from the fact that I'm singing about depression and heartbreak.

PEV: What was the underlying inspiration for this album? Where do get your best ideas for songs? 

JB: I had a pretty rough year and used these songs as a way of working through it. (Not to be too obvious or anything.) But most of my songs start with a single phrase, or a bit of a melody I sing to myself while I'm walking down the street. Sometimes they end up dark, but really it all depends on my mood.

PEV: What’s one thing we’d be surprised to hear about John Brodeur? 

JB: I've watched Gossip Girl, more than once, willingly.

PEV: Was there a certain point in your life when you knew that music was going to be a career for you?

JB: I wanted to be a singer since I was a little boy, and I started trying to write songs by the time I was 10.

PEV: What one word best describes John Brodeur?

JB: Strategery.

PEV: How is life on the road for you in the music world? Best and worst parts? 

JB: I love traveling and playing wherever I can. It can be rough (and expensive), but it's worth it to know I'm reaching people. If just one person tells me after a show that my lyrics connected with them, or that they want to learn how to play one of my songs, that night is 100 percent worth it for me. The worst parts are, in no particular order: sleeping in the van after a bum gig, 10-hour drives, unexpected vehicle work...I'll stop there.

PEV: Is there one area you wish you could travel around and play that you have not yet? 

JB: Other countries! I'd LOVE to get to Europe and Japan in the next few years.

PEV: How have all your friends and family reacted to your career? What’s it like when you get to play at your hometown? 

JB: I'm very lucky to have a great network of friends and a family that has always been supportive of my music. Though as much as I love playing back in Albany, I consider New York to be my home.

PEV: What can we find you doing in your spare time, aside from playing/writing music? 

JB: Watching movies, walking around in the city... I feel kind of boring for not having a better answer, because I spend so much time making music.

PEV:  Is there an up and coming band or artist you think we should all be looking out for now? 

JB: Six months ago I would have said Phantogram but everyone seems to know them now. Been digging on the new Frightened Rabbit and Broken Bells records. Otherwise, my advice is to listen to Big Star and Badfinger until your headphones break.

PEV: If you weren’t playing music now what would you would doing for your career? 

JB: Something I hate. Scratch that -- I'm sure I'd be involved the music industry in some way. As a writer, or maybe in A&R. (There's still such a thing as A&R, right?)

PEV: So, what is next for John Brodeur? 

JB: Finishing up my next solo album, Little Hopes, for a summer release. In the fall, a "deluxe edition" reissue of Tiger Pop, and hopefully the beginnings of another record shortly thereafter. Lots of shows, all over the place. World domination.