If You Get Confused #048: Something I am Working On

A peek at my "project"

In an effort to try out to expand my creative horizons, I was thinking through some new content ideas for the newsletter. I had plenty of ideas, ranging from “eh, maybe?” to “what was I thinking?”. Which means not a lot of good ones.

The idea that stuck with me the most was a project, inspired by Tim Ferris’ “Tribe of Mentors”, where I ask musicians/artists the same set of questions and collect the responses into a library of stories, advice, and ideas. The goal would be to learn some interesting things about the people behind the music I love, and have them share different career and life advice.

I’ve bounced around some titles from this “project”, but have yet to find one I like. Rhythm and Reflection or Backstage with Dave are the leading candidates, but neither feel right. Suggestions are welcome!

I use the term “project” because I am not sure what this ends up being. Maybe a series on the newsletter, maybe an e-book, maybe nothing at all.

But for now, I am trying it out. And as I collect responses from artists, I wanted to share the one that’s been my favorite so far. Part of my desire to share this is to collect feedback from my valuable subscribers! So please et me know what you think.

What other questions would you ask? What questions should I remove? Who should I try to get to contribute?

Please enjoy this preview of my “project” with some awesome responses from one of my favorite artists: Jordan Caiola

(Huge thank you to Jordan and the others who have dedicated their time so far to helping me with this “project'“)

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Jordan Caiola

Jordan Caiola (CAI•OLA) is a songwriter/musician/producer based out of Philadelphia. He founded the indie rock band Mo Lowda & The Humble in 2010 and due to its intense touring schedule, the band became his main priority along with his side project NightSeason (founded 2016)- an indie/electro-pop producer duo. Though he always felt writing folk songs was his true “wheelhouse”, it wasn’t until the nationwide lockdown in early 2020 that he finally put aside the time to record a collection of those songs for his first solo album ‘Only Real When Shared’. Now, Caiola tours year-round with both Mo Lowda and his solo project.

Caiola with The End of America at Ardmore Music Hall 2/18/2023 Photo Credit: Michael Naber via 215music

1. What is the album(s) you’ve recommended most to others, and why? Or what are 1-3 albums that have greatly influenced your life or musical journey?

• Gorilla Manor - Local Natives. This may not be their “best” album on a sonic or production level - but it is one I find myself going back to quite often. They tapped into something here, and the sound they created on this album has been a jumping off point for a countless amount of Mo Lowda songs in my mind. Their use of weaving guitar parts, a clever approach to the rhythm section, and constant use of vocal harmonies continues to inspire me to this day.

• The Party - Andy Shauf This one is a staple in our tour van. It’s an album written about one night (a party). All of the songs are small little portions of a single experience… conversations almost. I think that is such a fascinating and inventive concept - and he finds a way to keep it very interesting the whole time with incredible production and layering.

• Astral Weeks - Van Morrison. I’m sure I’m not the first one to mention this record but it still speaks to me. It is meandering and a little off the wall at times but just about every song has the capacity to bring me to tears on any given day and I think that alone puts it in the top 3 with no more questions asked.

2. What purchase or investment has most positively impacted your music career or creative process in the last year?

This is a great question. I’ve started to do a lot of writing retreats… whether on my own or with my band. It immediately takes you out of your comfort zone while simultaneously creating this laser focus on what you are there to do. I like to cut out the noise (of the city) and simultaneously immerse myself in a new place to see what I can get out of it.

I always say “How many songs can I write sitting on the edge of my bed in my Philadelphia apartment?” - I’ve gotten plenty - but it’s to the point now where I’d rather take those ideas and go flesh them out somewhere else - usually around a body of water, where I can write outdoors.

3. What is a piece of conventional wisdom in the music industry that you disagree with, and why?

“Singles are the name of the game. Albums are dead.” I find this incredibly discouraging as an artist who enjoys the sum of all parts and creating a “world” with an album. I think there is still something to be said for a record that flows seamlessly front to back. I hope folks still listen that way for the most part.

4. Has music ever healed something in your life? What was that moment like?

Writing is certainly my own way of keeping my mental health in check. Whether I’ve writing a song as a celebration, a message of gratitude, or unpacking a loss or break-up… It is my way of sifting through my own thoughts and feelings out loud. Can’t even count how many times I’ve written a song just to reflect or provide myself some sort of catharsis and never put it out. It’s my journal.

5. Is there a musical figure that you specifically look up to?

Jim James of My Morning Jacket is my personal musical hero. I think the way he’s conducted himself over a 25 or so year career is a perfect example of staying true to the music, giving the fans an authentic experience every time, and still retaining tremendous humility in the process. MMJ is probably my favorite band… go see them live and you’ll understand why.

6. What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?

Choosing to pursue music. I quit the last “job” I had back in 2021 to make the music thing my full time career. It was scary but incredibly freeing. Now I have two avenues which I release music through and tour with. I held onto other jobs as long as I could to facilitate it comfortably and I’m glad I did.

7. Is there anything about the music landscape/industry that’s frustrating to you, or that you wish you could change?

I don’t think I’m alone in thinking the rate at which artists get paid per stream is insulting and embarrassing. There are a lot of conversations surrounding this and unfortunately, very little small indie artists can do to combat it. 95% of the folks I talk to at shows have discovered me through Spotify… So leaving that platform is out of the question if I want to continue to grow. The upside though, is that those people end up buying concert tickets and merch etc. Important revenue streams for us.

8. Outside of music, where do you draw creative inspiration from? Are there any places you go, things you do, or people you talk to in order to get creatively inspired?

I draw on a lot of storylines from film, TV, & book. Drawing on classic archetypes like Forest and Jenny… or using real life tales like Christopher McCandless’ story in ‘Into the WIld’. I’m inspired by places I go as well. Being on the road half of the year and seeing a lot of places certainly factors in. I often come home with some ideas to kick around. I made a trip to Australia early last year and made a note to write a song called ‘Fitzroy’ - (A Melbourne neighborhood) and that song will be on the next Mo Lowda album.

9. If you could use one word to describe your relationship with music, what would it be? Why?

Natural. It’s all I know. It’s a massive part of my identity and my confidence. I often think of what I would do professionally if this wasn’t working out and I’m not sure I even have an answer. At the same time - I take a very natural approach to writing. When it’s not flowing, I will go a full month sometimes without writing a single note. I go do other things. I golf. I see friends. I shoot pool.

Then, the next week I will write half a record. I try to let it come to me and trust in myself. It doesn’t have to be all music all the time, but when the ideas arise, I lock in and get laser focused.

10. What’s one thing that you listen to that people might be surprised to know?

There’s a 1997 country album by Kim Richey called ‘Bittersweet’. I often give it a front to back listen probably every few months. It has all of the 90’s Nashville cheese, but the songwriting is incredible. My Dad got me hip to it and he loved it when I was a kid. I remember many a sunny morning being woken up by his stereo downstairs as the album began. It brings me right back to those times and makes me think of him.

11. What’s something you’re proud of that has nothing to do with your career?

My Dad has a baseball field complex named after him, as well as an award given each year to a Temple U student in the school he and I graduated from. He was a special dude - gone entirely too soon.

12. If you could see your favorite band/artist at any music venue in the world, which one would it be?

Does everyone say Red Rocks here? Red Rocks would be bad ass, but my favorite shows I’ve ever seen are at a 1,000-1,200 cap venue like Union Transfer. You feel like you’re right up in the mix but it still feels like a big show. Also, I like how concerts sound indoors far more than outdoors.

13. Are there any non-musical skills or hobbies you’ve picked up that have unexpectedly been helpful in your musical career?

I can dabble in graphics arts which certainly saves some $$ when a tour flyer needs to be made. I’m not great at it but it comes in handy.

14. What’s a question about your music or your journey that you wish someone would ask you, but no one ever does?

If my music disappeared off the face of the earth, then was discovered 1 million years later by an alien race, what’s the first song I’d want them to listen to.

15. If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it—metaphorically speaking, reaching millions of people—what would it say and why? Are there specific quotes or lyrics you live by?

Honestly, I try to live by Christopher McCandless’ words “Happiness is only real when shared” - which he wrote in his journal before he passed. I try to share the things I love with the ones I love. Any time I post new music I say “Share it with someone you love.” So, I think that’s what my billboard would say.

Thanks for reading! Until next week.