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One of the biggest thrills in music is when a musician hear their song on a radio for the first time. Some go a lifetime without hearing it. Parma guitarist Steve Jochum certainly must never get tired of hearing "Funky Poodle," a tune he wrote while with Wild Horses years ago, coming out of the speakers. Now out on his own with a new project dubbed Big Zipper, Jochum recently traded thoughts with OhioOnline music correspondent Peanuts regarding his new 12 cut solo release, ironically titled, BIG ZIPPER. |
| OO: |
What pushed you down the musical path of life? |
| SJ: |
"Growing up, we always had music in our house.
Appalachian folk from my mother's Celtic side or Broadway tunes
my Dad loudly belted out. Of course, as with most people my
age, I had an epiphany listening to my little AM radio when 'I
Want To Hold Your Hand' came on and knocked me out. That's when I knew what I wanted to do with my life." |
| OO: |
Was Wild Horses your first claim to fame? |
| SJ: |
"I had a band in the 1970's called 'The Hollywood Dream
Machine.' We played the Flipside in Cleveland Heights
regularly. That's where I met the guys from Wild Horses and
they asked me to join in 1978. When 'Funky Poodle' hit locally
for us on the radio, stations as far away as Los Angeles and
Tampa were also playing it. I stayed with them until 1985, took some time off and then did
a stint with Sumrada. I left them earlier this year to start my Big Zipper project." |
| OO: |
What artists have influenced your song writing? |
| SJ: |
"Tom Petty, Johnny Thunders, Bacharach/David,
Holland /Dozier/Holland, Bob Dylan and, of course, Lennon/McCartney." |
| OO: |
What does the new band sound like? |
| SJ: |
"My music is a blend of all influences. I think my best songs have been the ones I've dreamt. I want to make good music, not current or contemporary. I'd like my songs to stand the test of time and not be dated in ten years." |
| OO: |
Who would the band match up with? |
| SJ: |
"I'd match up with the Gin Blossoms, Third Eye Blind, the New York Dolls or Edwin McCain." |
| OO: |
Any bands from around the state catch your ear? |
| SJ: |
"Westlake singer/songwriter Joe Rohan and I hooked up for a couple gigs a little while ago. Two others I enjoy are the Whiskey Daredevils and Agave." |
| OO: |
Where was the Big Zipper disc recorded at? |
| SJ: |
"Closer Look Studios in downtown Cleveland with Tyler Owens at the controls. Tyler's such a great dude. Fun to work with and didn't get in the way of the production." |
| OO: |
Long term plans? |
| SJ: |
"Music is a young person's business. I have no illusions about that. I love what I'm doing now, but my goal is to be published and have major acts cutting my songs. I'll let the younger guys run around the country in their vans. I want to be writing and producing music that people will enjoy. It's still fun to play live and hearing people singing my song along with me." |
| OO: |
Final thoughts? |
| SJ: |
"Isn't music suppose to be an escape from reality? And to be able to make a living doing something I truly love is such an honor.
I'm just thankful for all the people who enjoy what I'm doing." |
