Whisker-A-NoGo

Chords of Truth influences include classic artists like Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel, Leonard Cohen and Cat Stevens. With a unique sound that has been compared to recent hit artists like Jack Johnson, Mumford & Sons, Iron & Wine, and Ray Lamontagne. I can tell that Jason is a hard working artist who pours his heart out in his songs, and I tip my hat to his D.I.Y. approach, which comes through in his music.

I got to ask lead-singer and open-mic junkie, Jason Garriotte a few questions today about what it’s like to be an independent singer-songwriter in South Carolina:

Introduce yourself to this world of strangers:

Well my name is Jason Garriotte and I’m a singer/songwriter known as Chords of Truth.   But I’m also a college tennis coach, Internet marketing professional, and a dedicated student of all things concerning science, consciousness and spiritual growth.

Where are you from originally/where do you live now?

I’m originally from a small town in Indiana and have lived a few different places since college.  Right now I am living in South Carolina but will be moving on later this summer.  

Who are your top three musical inspirations?

When I was growing up my Dad played a lot of old folk music on the classical guitar from artists like Bob Dylan, Peter Paul & Mary and Simon & Garfunkel.  So these are the artists I have known my whole life.  But then in the last few years I discovered Leonard Cohen and his addition to the mix has been a huge influence on my music.

What are your biggest inspirations in life, aside from music?

There is no doubt that the age old question “What is the meaning of life” drives my quest for answers.   I was raised Christian but now think that reality is far too complex to be answered by such a simple explanation (but who knows for sure).  My favorite quote of all time is probably, “A mind, once stretched by a new idea can never regain its original shape.”  So I try to learn or experience something new that changes my perspective every chance I get.   And so far it has made my life interesting and exciting.

What is the music scene like where you live?

There are a lot of musicians in the area that are trying to promote themselves and get gigs, but live music around here doesn’t seem to be a huge draw.  Local artists are mostly confined to small bars and restaurants in the area.

Do you find that people are more attentive to cover bands, or original bands, where you are from?

Cover bands seem to get the best response around here for sure.

Have you ever signed, or considered signing, to a record label?

Not at this point.  I’m really just getting started in music.  I had never performed live until last year and just wrote my first songs and released my first album in January.  Although it is getting a good response so far, I am not really looking to get signed.  Instead, I am using my online marketing experience to get my music and other entertaining content delivered through my “Chords of Truth” network to build a fanbase over time.  

What is the biggest benefit of remaining independent in today’s ever-changing music industry?

Obviously it helps to have a huge marketing machine behind you to promote your music and brand, but then they control everything about you.  Your music, image, shows, promotion, and most importantly… TIME

Because of everything I’m involved in, I can’t afford to give over complete control of what I do and when I do it.  

In your opinion, what’s the best way for an artist to make $, in order to continue doing what he/she loves?

With all of the tools the Internet has to offer, I believe the key is to get your music everywhere online you can find and engage the social networks with your personality and content that you think is interesting.  You need to connect with fans on a personal level so they not only like your music, but they like YOU.  Then down the road they will buy anything you make available.

Random question: Who do you think would drink a case of beer faster- Neil Armstrong or Lance Armstrong?

I would say Lance Armstrong, but that is definitely a total guess.  Neil might really be able to put them away.

Chords of Truth Official Website - Order Album at CDBaby or on iTunes   

Free Album Download at Noise Trade!