Michael Jantz is our hero. The Cleveland bred folk/indie-rocker moved into the District a few years ago after leaving his mark on the Midwest to save us from our end-of-the-week doldrums. Sunday evenings can be somewhat of a downer, but Jantz has found a way to take back the night…as a weekly host and feature artist at Wonderland Ballroom. He draws talent from both inside the District and beyond, and headlines these intimate shows with a unique vocal ability to raise our spirits,and our whiskey glasses. Praised in his hometown, he left to move onward and upward, performing through the streets of Europe and eventually sharing the stage with Paul Simon and Brian Wilson.
A few weeks ago, we sat down at the bar to catch one of his sets. Jantz played several tracks off of his forthcoming album, Snapshots of the Universe, including an extended "too-hip-for-CD" version of "Sierra" with impromptu scatting. All of his songs have a very upbeat feel to them, but simultaneously make you want to kick back and relax. "Livin' On Sunshine" had the bartender singing along to this catchy track that took but one listen to commit to memory. The folk storytelling elements are all there, and fitting for an album that presents musical pictures of Jantz's life. He closed his set with a cover of the traditional "Goodnight, Irene" in what was probably the best portrayal of who he is as a musician -- cutting through the background conversation and placing the focus back on him. In the end, he went off stage and got the small crowd to cheer him back on for an encore.
Visit him at: www.michaeljantz.com
Buy his album: On CD Baby
See him next: Sunday December 3rd @ Wonderland Ballroom, 8 p.m.
Questions for Michael Jantz:
At what point did you know that you wanted to become a musician?
It was 1994, I was attending Kent State University and while I was at school my mom bought me my first guitar. It had been a tough couple of semesters. I had been a singer in bands for years and had been studying and playing percussion in the Kent State African Ensemble. But when I got my guitar and I started writing songs that was all I wanted to do. I made the decision then that I was going play music.
Why did you leave Cleveland? Will you go back?
I left Cleveland to move to D.C. with my girlfriend who is attending grad school at George Washington. But I also felt like I had done all that I could do there. I was voted 'Best Male Singer/Songwriter 2004' by our local arts and entertainment weekly (Cleveland Free Times Magazine) and I had opened for a bunch of cool national acts. I knew all the club owners and media in town. I had exhausted all my resources -- I had hit the ceiling. I needed to make a move.
I don't see myself moving back. I love the town and I love the people but I love music more. The only people that make it from Cleveland are the ones that leave.
Do you prefer playing solo or with a band? Why?
I love both and there are advantages and disadvantages to both. When you play solo anything goes. You can stop mid song and make a joke, you can change arrangements, you can speed things up or slow them down. But you're up there all alone. If your tired, hungry or bummed out -- it's still on you to put on a great show.
When you play with a band there are other people that can carry you if your not 100%. And the shows rock way harder with drums and electric guitars as well.
Obviously it costs more to tour with a band than it does to tour solo. And it's like having 3 or 4 more girlfriends to deal with too. All the needs and moods and stresses are multiplied by the other personalities. And musicians are big personalities.
The other thing about playing solo is that people usually think you play coffee shops. Unless the coffee shop sells beer and whiskey you can usually find me at the rock club around the corner.
What are some highlights from your travels through Europe?
Playing the streets was probably the biggest highlight. I met a lot of great folks and gained the confidence to feel like I can really do this. It was kind of a test in a way. Meeting people that don't speak English and communicating with them through music is something that you just can't describe.
What were you thinking on your first night opening for Paul Simon and Brian Wilson?
I remember sitting on the stage at the end of the night by myself thinking "this is so fucking cool -- please god let this be my life"
Where do you write your best music, and from where do you draw your inspiration?
I write my best music when I am relaxed.
As for inspiration, I think it just comes from life. It comes from relationships, the news, art, movies, love, food and anywhere else. Charlie Parker said it best. "If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn". That's where songs come from.
Why did you choose Snapshots of the Universe as the title of your upcoming release?
Snapshots of the Universe came from question number 6's answer. All the songs on this record are snapshots of my universe. The things I see, do and experience. And hopefully, because of that, they are snapshots of the universe as a whole too.
How has your experience been with your solo shows at Wonderland Ballroom?
The Wonderland has been great. It's not always quiet but it's always fun and there is a lot of love. Also, because I do the booking, I have gotten to meet and play with some of the best players in the region. In addition to all the great local acts I get people coming in from NYC to Texas to play. I also get free drinks!
What are a few of your favorite local bands/artists?
There a a bunch of great local acts; Alfonso Valez, Laura Tsaggaris, These United States, Alec Gross, Dennis Jay, Red Racer, Georgie James, Rob Getzchman, Rob Thorworth, J.P. Dermott, Ellen Cherry, Monopoli, Hello Tokyo, Dance Party just to name a few. I have never been around more talent in my life. No kidding.
What are your thoughts on the DC music scene?
I think that D.C. has a vital, thriving music scene. It's no Nashville or NYC but it's a great music community. Coming from Cleveland it's definitely a step up.