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While the music interviews here have focused on Ohio natives, this month we're going to spotlight former Rocky River guitarist Jann Klose, who has moved to New York City in search of fame and fortune. Klose, a native of Germany, traded thoughts a couple weeks ago with OhioOnline correspondent Peanuts about "Reverie," his fourth cd release and Klose's formative years he spent in the Buckeye state. |
| OO: |
When did music first get your attention? |
| JK: |
"I've been into music and singing in particular as long as I can remember. There were a few artists that really turned me on to being a performer as well. Prince is one of them. He's one of those people that can pick up a guitar, start playing and singing and you forget everything else going on around you." |
| OO: |
How did you wind up in Ohio? |
| JK: |
"I spent a year at Rocky River High as an AFS exchange student, then ended up back in Northeast Ohio, studying voice with David Gooding, after finishing high school in Hamburg, Germany." |
| OO: |
Besides putting our your own music, who did you play with while in Cleveland? |
| JK: |
"I did some backup singing on one of Anne E. DeChant's discs. I also sang with the Cleveland Opera Chorus." |
| OO: |
Besides Prince, what national acts have influenced your songwriting? |
| JK: |
"There's a really wide range, sometimes I don't even know who the writers are. I hear a piece of music and, if it turns me on, I find out who the artist is. Most recently, I've been getting into Anthony & The Johnsons, Claire & The Reasons, Sufjan Stevens and Raul Midon." |
| OO: |
With all that in mind, describe your music. |
| JK: |
"I'd call it a real eclectic mix of styles with strong pop, folk-rock and jazz influences. There's also a theatrical element, both lyrically and musically." |
| OO: |
Favorite Ohio venue? |
| JK: |
"The old Wilbert's, near the Warehouse District, in Cleveland was nice. I'm looking forward to playing the Winchester in Lakewood for first time April 16. Heard a lot of good things about it." |
| OO: |
Yeah, it is a good venue. What national acts have you matched up with live? |
| JK: |
"I did a few shows with Rusted Root front man Michael Glabicki. Felt like a good match to me."
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| OO: |
As for the new disc, where was it cut? |
| JK: |
"At Water Music in Hoboken, New Jersey. My first two, in 1997 and 1999, were recorded in Ohio." |
| OO: |
How did you like the New Jersey studio? |
| JK: |
"It was quite possibly the best studio I've ever been lucky enough to record in. Great place with amazing gear. Yes, I'm gushing, but the place really does rock. Their in-house engineer, James Frazee, is a real talent. I'm hoping to record there again later this year." |
| OO: |
Any airplay on the new project yet? |
| JK: |
"Yes, we've gotten airplay nationally in the U.S. as well as Europe and Indonesia." |
| OO: |
Long term plans? |
| JK: |
"Do more than just survive in the music business. All while continuing to write, record and perform." |
| OO: |
Final thoughts we didn't cover? |
| JK: |
"I'm always looking forward to play in Cleveland. Hope to see many folks this time around. I'll be sharing the Winchester bill on April 16 with Stratospheerius, whose front man Joe Deninzon is a former Clevelander as well." |
