If any of you have been reading this blog from the beginning, you already know about the artist in the headline. Ernie Halter is a singer/songwriter out of the LA area, who's music has the ability to tug hard at your heart strings as well as "Bring Sexy Back" by writing songs that as he puts it are in the "baby-making key". I love that...
I really can't say enough about how great Ernie's music is. The thing that bothers me most about Ernie is the fact that I didn't hear of him first....no that one goes to my wife. She found him on accident and she owes it all to General Hospital. She kept hearing this beautiful song being played when Maxi and Spinelli where "hooking up" (see what I mean about that baby making key?), anyway she kept hearing it and hearing it until finally she hopped online to find out who it was. When she went to the GH message boards Ernie's name was all over it. People were buzzing about this song and when Anya (my wife) let me hear "Close Your Eyes and Wander", I was buzzing too! I know his throngs of fans know the song already but for you "newbies" here you go...
Since hearing him for the first time we (Anya and I) have gone to every show of his that we could get to. That includes driving up to LA to catch him only to drive home at 1am to be up for work by 7am...if that's not stalkerish crazy fanatical dedicated, I don't know what is. I guess we really are "HALTERTOPS" (what they call the fans). I think a lot of our dedication has to do with the fact that he is a genuinely nice guy. Every time we come to a show he greets us with a warm hello and a big hug. More importantly he remembers our names. That means that he really cares about his friends and fans alike (we like to think we are a bit of both). Speaking of up coming shows follow this link to find out when Ernie will be coming to a town near you! In the mean time enjoy some of these videos from his last show at Lestat's in San Diego....
I recently sent Ernie an email to ask him a few questions, check out what he had to say....
The Ernie Halter Interview
1. When did you fall in love with music?
I was 6. My older brother introduced me to the Beatles Abbey Road and I was hooked, still am.
2. When did you realize that music was something that you wanted to do with your life?
Was fortunate enough to attend a summer program that Berklee College of Music put on for young kids. I was 16 or 17 and surrounded by musicians for the first time in my life. I knew that this would be a part of my life forever and never looked back.
3. How did you get your real (payed) gig and what do you remember about it?
One of my first paid gigs was a coffee shop in Fullerton CA called Al Cappuccino's. I didn't have a PA, so I bought cables at Radio Shack and rigged it up to play my guitar through my home stereo. I made 25 bucks and some free coffee.
4. Since I first heard of you a few years ago, I've noticed not only your fan base growing but the list of artist you have gotten to work with has been pretty intense. I've seen videos of you on stage with last season's Voice winner Javier Colon, and I have been to a concert with you and Tony Lucca of this years season.With all the talent that you are surrounded by can you think any of "tricks of the trade" you've picked up along the way?
I learn something from every artist I tour with, every writer I write with. I learned a lot about my voice from Javier Colon and Matt Cusson. They're my singing mentors. I learned a lot about songwriting from Tony Lucca, by hearing him perform every night and get an insight into his influences. The storytelling that's become a big part of my shows I picked up a great deal from my friend Tyrone Wells.
Ernie and Tony Lucca "Bed Intruder"
5. Who influences you lyrically? I ask this because you have written words that have brought tears to my eyes (not an easy task), on several occasions.
Thank you! I think : ] I co-write a lot, So depending on the song I may have had more or less of a hand at the lyrics. Lately though I'm much more lyrically driven than I have been. I'm influenced by a lot of Nashville writers, both established country acts as well as indie singer-songwriters. Sean McConnell, Andy Davis, Jeffrey Steele, Hilary Lindsay, etc.
6. If you could work with ANY 5 artists from the past or present and any producer to make the album of a lifetime, who would they be and why?
Stevie Wonder, Bonnie Raitt, Elvis Costello, Paul McCartney, James Taylor. Because they are unbeatable.
7. When you write a song what comes first for you, the lyrics or the music?
In the past, music. Now lyrics more so. Often I'll get a chorus of a song, and it comes as both lyrics and music together. Then I finish it in pieces or co-write the rest.
8. With your last album, Franklin & Vermont, was there a specific message/feeling that you wanted your listeners to come away with or was it more of a compilation of AMAZING songs?
Thank you! I wanted the record to convey an overall relaxed and organic vibe. Since Starting Over was a bit edgier . I wanted the writing to be more personal, and included a lot ukulele layered into the tracks. Close mic'ed the vocals for a very intimate sound.
9. Speaking of AMAZING songs, you recently debuted a newer song titled "Ask Me" at your last Lestat's concert. You gave us a brief description of how the song came to be (writing group online), what I want to know is who did you write it for? I ask because it almost sounds like its dedicated to someone...or is that just me?
The spark was an assignment from songwriting email group I'm in. We get the title sent to us each week and have 3 days to write, record, and upload the track. The title we were sent was "Asking For Help". The inspiration for the lyric is about a fan that I know, who's been having a rough time lately.
"Ask Me"
10. For those that don't know, can you explain the Justin/Ernie story that was all over the web-er-nets awhile back?
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1664291/ernie-halter-justin-bieber.jhtml
11. When do you think fans can start checking for a new album?
Hard to say. Ideally I'd like to start recording this summer.
12. Where do you want to see your music in the years to come?
I want to keep growing as a writer. Getting more honest and more skilled at the craft. Professionally I would like to continue touring while writing for other artists as well.
13. Last question....its a doozy....If you had 1 quote that you would want to be known for saying, that would define your existence (son, husband, brother, father, friend, and artist), what would it be?
Honestly, not sure exactly how to answer this. I will say that I view life as a big classroom. Every day is a lesson and a chance to learn something. Time is precious, and I take every opportunity to grow. As a musician, as a husband, as a dad, and generally as a human being.
Well everyone that just about wraps up this edition of The Penguin Gazette, but before I go I would like to thank Ernie for allowing me the chance to interview him and for always putting on amazing shows! If anyone in the San Diego area would like to see Ernie LIVE he will be performing this Thursday (May 17th 2012...MY ANNIVERSARY)....
8:30 pm
Ernie Halter in San Diego
Lestat's Coffee House: 3343 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA (MAP)
$12
PLEASE come and check him out!!!!
www.erniehalter.com (Official Site)
www.twitter.com/erniehalter (500,000 Followers)
www.youtube.com/erniehalter (10,000 Subscribers)
Until next time.
Editor & Chief of The Penguin Gazette,
Rudy
