Tin Alley Interview

Tin Alley

How does it feel to hear your music off your very own CD?

Jim from Tin Alley: It is really the greatest feeling - like being proud parents of musical offspring in a way.


Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?

Jim from Tin Alley: Yeah. That it is the toughest industry and as time goes on it only becomes clearer that it's even tougher than what you initially thought! But it is the most rewarding as well because it is art.


What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Jim from Tin Alley: A bit of everything really, depends on what phase I'm going through or what mood. Anything from Pearl Jam to Rolling Stones, the Doors, U2 and I really like to listen to international (non-English) tunes at the moment.


Are you enjoying launching Polar Bear and touring?

Jim from Tin Alley: We're having the time of our lives - enjoying the different places we're travelling to, meeting new people and entertaining them with our music most of all!


Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Jim from Tin Alley: I prefer a good mix of both. Creating music in the recording studio is like rocking up to an exam all studied up and kicking arse and performing live is like the party after the exams. I think they really go hand-in-hand.


How is your drummer after his motorcycle incident?

Jim from Tin Alley: He is doing very well, and is recovering from his motorcycle/kangaroo accident remarkably well. He's doc said it was a miracle, referring to the fact that Peter was back on the drums in under 2 months after his accident. We can only hope the titanium will keep him together.


Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?

Jim from Tin Alley: All of our songs are our own - creating music is one of the greatest parts of being a musician as there is only so much satisfaction you can get from playing someone else's. The lyrics to our songs are inspired mostly by situational circumstances, life in general, the universe, girls, love and more. The music comes from the same place where all creativity comes from but no one really knows where that is!


Who was you inspiration in getting into the music industry?

Jim from Tin Alley: I can't say that one single person has inspired me to get into the music biz, I guess I've always kind of dreamed of being a musician but I can say that Slash was my inspiration while I was learning the guitar.


How was it working with New York based director/producer, Max Ribitzby?

Jim from Tin Alley: It was a little strange given the vast distance but thanks to MSN Messenger, Youtube and Skype we were able to work very well and come up with a really tasteful, artistic clip.


What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Jim from Tin Alley: I think the greatest challenge facing all musicians is getting the attention of the public and others in the music biz. I read somewhere that there are over 3000 active bands in Melbourne alone so that's a lot of music to be up against!


What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Jim from Tin Alley: It allows me to serenade.