q&a: ian axel
As you are aware, I saw Ian Axel perform at NYC’s Bowery Ballroom in the first week of September. However, I had sent these interview questions prior to seeing his live show — sometimes, that’s just how it goes — so it was interesting to see how he answered these in the context of his killer performance. At any rate, it’s clear in these questions that you can hear the kind of warmth and radiance that Ian so excellently conveyed in his performance. Enjoy!
Explain your artistic process – do you write first, or start with melody?
It’s different in every circumstance, but usually it’s a piano idea that happens at the same time as a melody and a few key words or lines. I like finishing the song structure and having all the melodies before finishing the lyrics. Lots of songwriters I know write poems first and then write songs around them. For me, melody dictates the lyric. And it happens best when I’m not thinking!
When you’re writing a song, do you have a main idea in mind?
I usually never think “Oh, I’m going to write a song about this or that.” It kinda just happens. I play what I feel and the lyrics are mainly influenced by the tone that the piano part sets.
Do you play anything besides the piano?
Yup. I picked up the ukulele a couple years ago on a trip to Hawaii. I needed some sort of musical outlet when traveling. It’s not easy to sling a piano around your back. I also played the trumpet growing up but gave that up after high school. I just got an accordion..I’m going to dive into that soon.
Who have been the biggest influences on your sound?
I love Danny Elfman and Randy Newman. They all have some sort of songwriting/performance background that evolved into writing music for films, which I really would like to explore at some point. I’m also really into thematic elements in writing, especially when it’s whimsical and fun. I’ve been into Brahms and Rachmanivov (from my classical training days) and am currently listening to artists like Bon Iver, Radiohead, Elliott Smith, Sigur Rós…the list goes on.
In the videos, you are often with collaborators (Chad Vaccarino) while performing live. At your live shows, do you always have a backing band?
I met Chad when I was in college at NYU. He encouraged me to sing the songs I was writing and began writing them with me. Recently, we’ve been writing duets, so Chad’s become more and more a part of the live show. He’s very much my second half. So while not always with a band on the road, I usually have Chad with me. We’re currently on tour with our friends Allie Moss and Bess Rogers (amazing artists as well) and we’re all playing on each other’s sets. So it’s pretty flexible.
What do you want people to come away with from your live shows?
I just want to share. If people can connect to any of the songs in any way, then I am happy. That connection is affirmation that we’re not alone.
Especially with music, media and the internet has become such a prominent vehicle for getting exposure. Do you see that as something that’s beneficial or something that you prefer to move back from?
I think pretty much every artist is using these mediums now. While it’s harder to break through all the noise, it’s so much easier to find people to connect to. And with how the industry has evolved from the record-sale driven business it once was, I feel that these mediums are almost necessary if you are trying to make a living with your art.
What do you do when you’re not playing music?
Not much. Just hanging out with friends, playing video games, watching nature documentaries on Netflix…I hardly leave my apartment!
What’s the first gig and the best gig you’ve ever been to?
The first concert I’ve ever seen was Yanni. My parents used to listen and got me hooked. I was probably 8 years old then. The best show I’ve ever been to…probably Sigur Rós at the theater at Madison Square Garden.
Lip is a feminist magazine. Do you consider yourself a feminist, and if so, in what way?
I think women are pretty great.
What’s next for you?
When I get back to NYC I want to finish writing the next album, record it, and get back out on the road, especially to places I’ve never been. I haven’t forgotten about you! I’m just getting started…
Where’s your favorite place to perform?
New York City. My home.
