Questions w/ John Paul White (part two)

Here is part two of "Questions" w/ John Paul White. Enjoy the interview and be sure to visit the links at the bottom to learn more about John and The Civil Wars.

StSL – Where did the name, “The Civil Wars”, come from?

John – Well, the literal interpretation of the phrase resonated with us - it symbolizes all the little battles of the mind we encounter every day. We feel that every decision made in life has its spoils and consequences. But the most obvious meaning (and the one probably most central to what we do) is the constant push and pull of the human relationship.

StSL – There’s been plenty of discussion on this site about how (thanks to the internet, TV show placements, and digital music sales) doors continue to open up more and more for independent artists. Along with that comes a whole new set of freedoms and challenges. How has your experience been navigating those waters?

John – For artists like ourselves, it's become 'radio'. We're fully open to embracing the radio format, but the reality is that it's not a medium well suited to an independent artist. There's not a large enough team or financial base to fully promote a single properly. TV/film placements give us the opportunity to reach a very broad audience in one fell swoop. And, in the case of our Grey's Anatomy placement, it also receives a visual backdrop that further accentuates the power of the song.

StSL – As a songwriter, where would you say you generally draw your inspiration from?

John – I honestly have no idea. It's the strangest thing. I'm sure it's a concoction of love, heartbreak, loss, gain - old and new. I read quite a bit; comedy, classics, fantasy, biography, you name it. Sometimes things will pop up in the midst of writing that I honestly have no idea where they're from. My life, someone else's - it's all fair game.

StSL – Let’s step away from music for a second. What’s your favorite movie quote?

John – "I know I have a heart, because I feel it breaking." Tin Man, The Wizard of Oz

StSL – Let’s talk about your solo work. For those who may be new fans, what can you share about your record, “The Long Goodbye”?

John – I made that record for Capitol in LA. I'm intensely proud of it, and I believe capitol was too, but as we were finishing, the head of the label and the A and R staff were all fired. Not a healthy recipe for the success of a new artist. So we parted ways, and they actually gave me the masters back. I owe them for that, and for letting me make the record I wanted. So I just sell it from my website now, and plan to start a new solo record this year.

Thanks so much to John Paul White for taking the time to talk with us! Please check out the links below and join us right back here next week for the StSL Ten Favorite Albums of 2009 list! Also, be ready for "Questions" to return in the new year with interviews from Andrew Osenga, Rachael Cantu, Jeremy Casella, and more!

John Paul White Official Site
The Civil Wars Official Site
The Civil Wars on Noisetrade
The Civil Wars on iTunes