For this edition of Seven Questions In Heaven, we're speaking with Ryan Calhoun of The Heaven Switch, who just released their album, The Heaven Switch, last week.Describe your music for our readers who may not be familiar with you.
I always like to call my music unapologetic pop-rock. I love songs with hooks and melody. I think that vein of music has been lost for a while for rock bands.
Who are your musical influences and idols?
I grew up in a very musical household. There was always something being played in the house. Stuff from Elvis to Michael Jackson, Red Hot Chili Peppers (I know, very eclectic). But I started to be drawn toward a lot of bands like Third Eye Blind, Green Day, and Foo Fighters. They were all rock bands, but all had so many great songs and melodies.
What was the first album, cassette, or CD you bought with your own money?
I believe the first CD I bought was Red Hot Chili Peppers' Blood Sugar Sex Magic. I don't even think I knew what or who they were, but I saw it in my older brothers' room. Looking back I was far to young to be listening to that. I don't even think I knew what sex meant.
Your new album came out January 24th. What's the reception been like?
Overall I feel like it's been well received. It's started charting on iTunes singer/songwriter chart. So I suppose that's a good thing, right?
You once recorded as Ryan Calhoun but now you're The Heaven Switch. Why did you make the switch?
I didn't want to make another "Ryan Calhoun" album. When I started writing for the record, it just felt more like a full band sound. For me, it was something new and fresh and got me really excited about music again. And I felt like I had a little more musical freedom under a band name rather than a solo artist.
Your songs have been heard on a lot of television shows including Cougar Town, Real World/Road Rules Challenge, and Keeping Up With The Kardashians. What was the first show that featured one of your songs, what was it like hearing your song playing out of your TV, and do you still have a copy of that episode on your DVR?
The very first show I ever heard my song on was The Real World. It was a very surreal experience. Definitely a good feeling though, knowing that a lot of people are probably going to hear it. I don't have DVR (I know, I know) so i don't have it recorded. My mom probably does though.
You're in charge of a music festival. You're the opening act and you get to pick any five bands, dead or alive, to appear on the bill. Who do you choose? And what song do you all get together and perform as the finale?
Good question. I would go with The Killers, Foster The People, Sara Bareilles, Jessie J (slight crush), and of course Foo Fighters would close out and we'd all get up there and sing "My Hero."
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