Name: Jeff Glatz

Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Currently residing: San Antonio, Texas

Musical past and present in one rambling run-on sentence: Like most kids, I loved music while growing up, but never had confidence to sing or write, and then I started playing percussion while my brother played guitar, and, after that, I played bass until he finally taught me guitar, which helped me with the confidence issue, especially when I moved to New York, where I auditioned for Echo & the Bunnymen when Ian McCulloch left, but I sucked — still, it helped me gain confidence to sing in front of people, so I made a band called Peacefield, in Pittsburgh, with my brother, Don, and we made a bunch of albums and played a bunch of places including CBGB’s in NYC and some beautiful festivals, while also having songs in a movie and on TV, which brings me to my first solo EP called “Multiverse” which will be out sometime this summer, and it was recorded and played on by one of my all time favorite singer/songwriters, Steve Tagliere, who was in the band Gingersol, and it was mixed by the brilliant Duane Lundy of Shangri-La, and I’m very proud of it, plus it’s getting positive reviews, and now I’m starting my next EP with Steve next month.

Website

1. Who are some of your favourite composers, musicians and bands from the past and present?

This question always overwhelms me, because I love so much from many genres. Early on, I do remember listening to Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You” on 45. I also recall listening to The Beatles on 8 Track! Ha. My new wave period was full of The Smiths, REM, Echo & the Bunnymen, Big Country, INXS. Pretty typical. During my New York years, I was into Sex Pistols, The Clash, Godfathers, Suicidal Tendencies, Ramones, The Replacements. I love everything — from The Doors to AC/DC to Fleetwood Mac. Lindsay Buckingham is an unbelievable guitar player. Wire Train, Gingersol, Centro-matic, Jeff Buckley, Elliot Smith, Big Star. Right now I’m listening to The War on Drugs, Band of Horses, Kurt Vile, My Morning Jacket. I’m liking a lot right now, and I’m lucky to live in a part of Texas that’s always bringing fresh new music to live venues and house shows.

2. Is there a particular song or musical passage that never fails to move you emotionally?

It’s constantly changing but “Don’t Tell a Soul,” by The Replacements, can take me there. The whole album is pretty powerful. I know some critics call it a “sell-out” album or say it’s too polished, but I think it’s some of Paul Westerberg’s best stuff. They grew up.

3. How would you describe your perfect day?

Waking up with family and friends on a camping trip, knowing we have the rest of the day to hang out together, relax and play music. Simple.

4. What would your friends say they appreciate the most about you?

My humor. Sometimes I’m so funny I can’t stand it. My good looks would be a close second.

5. What is your most valued material possession?

I guess I’d have to say my 1990 Martin D-28. It was the first *real* guitar that I bought new, and I wrote lots & lots of songs on it. Some great songs & some embarrassing songs. It’s been in a lot of studios & on many road trips with me. I love that guitar. I would marry it if I could.

6. Who were you, or would you be nervous to meet?

I’m easily star-struck. I either clam up when I meet a celebrity, or I speak, but make no sense. I remember finally building up the courage to meet Alex Dezen from The Damnwells, who I really dig, and, at the end of the conversation, I said, “I really love you.” Believe it or not, it was awkward after that. So the answer is, any celebrity in the world.

7. If you could blink your eyes and be in a favourite place right now, where would that place be?

The Cayman Islands. I love it there — the whole culture and mood of the place is something that has stayed with me. I’ve always wanted to be a surfer, but I’m actually worse at surfing than I am at talking to celebrities. It’s really very sad.

8. Is there something you would like to do more of in the future?

I would like to start touring again. At the moment, I’m not ready mentally or musically. But the time will come soon — maybe after the next solo EP is released.

9. Where would you like to find yourself in ten years?

I love playing live. I love making new music, but it’s hard to make a full-time living at it, especially these days. I hope to be signed with a publisher that markets my music enough so that I can tour and be able to make a comfortable living. All I really want is a mansion.