Underground Interview With Rocksoup

RocksoupRock Soup was formed in 2001 as a vehicle for Kevin Silva’s original song writing. Their first full length record, “My Neighborhood”, was released in the summer of 2004. Followed by “Marilyn & the Pirate”, 2009, “Toys and Pianos”, 2014.

Their newest record, released in December 2020, “Ship of Fools”.

 

Players from Al Green’s band, The Spinners, Steely Dan, and Rick Springfield have contributed parts to their records. Story songs, great musicianship, and strong vocal harmony make up the recipe for Rock Soup. “Love the Beatle vibe”…….Rick Springfield’s response after hearing the record “Ship of Fools”. Kevin Silva – vocals, keyboards, guitar John Dinwiddie – guitars, vocals Greg Bond – drums, vocals George Bower III – bass, vocals Kayleigh Silva Dinwiddie – vocals (Kevin’s daughter, John’s daughter-in-law)

 

What Musical Genre Do You Feel Best Describes Your Music And How Would You Describe Your Sound?

Pop/rock............lots of musical movements, strong vocal harmony. Rick Springfield said of the new record, "Love the Beatle vibe".

 

How Did You Get Your Name? Is There A Story?

the music is a bowl full of influences, no particular story.

 

What Are or Have Been Your Musical Influences?

I am a big fan of progressive rock, Rush, Kansas, Yes, I love how their songs are always moving forward. C,S,N & Y, the Eagles for their vocal harmonies. And of course The Beatles.

 

What Are You Working On Now? Any Future Collaborations We Can Look Forward To?

Started my 5th record, have most of the song titles, and several sections of music. I really don't collaborate with anyone, other than talking through parts with my band mates.

 

What Is Your Ultimate Goal In The Music Industry? What Is Your Plan Of Action?

I set out to be a musician at 14, the word "goal" wasn't even a thought. Looking back some 45 years later I've achieved more than I could have ever imagined. I guess if I had any sort of goal today, it would be sharing my music. As far as a Plan, I don't really have one......

 

What Is Your Favorite Track To Perform Live and Why?

The Song "Ship of Fools". It has 3 time signature changes. The first carries the verses and choruses, moderate tempo. The second is much faster, carries the solo. The third is slower than the first, it revisits the chorus. Makes it more interesting for the people listening.

 

What Has Been The Biggest Challenge In Your Career Thus Far?

2020...............My band went from being very active to a slow crawl. The only upside to this last year, I was able to finish my record.What’s Your Typical Songwriting Process?:I start with song titles. For instance; The song "Corner of my Dreams". The line "i saw you hiding in the corner of my dream" popped in my head at 3am one morning. I got up, wrote the line down, and started writing verse lines, finished the song before the sun came up. (I don't sleep much).
 

Some songs take longer, I pride myself on my lyrics, so I might spend weeks tweaking lyrics. The music has always been easy for me, not that I'm that great of a musician, I just have an ability to structure chord progressions.

 

How Has Social Media Influenced Your Career As An Artist?

The world got a lot smaller with the whole social media thing. It allows me to instantly share my music, gigs, and info on the band.

 

What Are Some Tracks and Artists Currently On Your Playlist?

I listen to a wide variety of music. Kansas, the Beatles (the White Album is my favorite record), Judas Priest, John Coltrane, on a national level. I listen to a lot of local music too. Jeremy Vogt, Mad Scientists Club, The Why Store, Doug Henthorn (Doug sings on occasion with Joe Bonamassa).

 

What Did You Do Before You Started Making Music?

My first paid gig was in 1975, 14 years old. 2 sets, rehearsed. Prior to that I worked on playing......

 

Any Advice For Young People (Men or Women) That Want To Succeed In The Music World?

Practice your art. Be passionate, ask questions. Always listen.......and less is better.

 

What Would You Change In The Music Industry If You Were A Top Music Executive?

Did you see the Grammy awards? Probably start there.

 

How Do You Feel About Originality?

There are only 12 notes, unless you count a Tibetan tribal chant. It has ALL been done before. I tell people "I'm an honest song writer, I will honestly tell you who I stole ideas from". Originality is just a collection of ones influences.

 

Is There Anything Else We Should Know About You Or That You Would Like to Add?

I once had the World's Largest Batman Collection, made two Guinness books. I also have a couple of Patents. I repair guitar amplifiers for a living, work from home.