SONGBROKER ARTIST PROFILE - Q & A with Jason McIver

When did you realise you wanted to make music?

Aside from always singing along to my Mums Elvis L.P's I think I decided I wanted to be a musician as an occupation when I started busking at local markets at about 13. I saw that people didn't think I was bad and that I could make some money off doing what I did plonked in my bedroom and it was really satisfying knowing that I could create something that I could call my own.

Name two major musical influences and why?

My first influence was Elvis Presley, my mother was and is a huge fan and I would sing along as a wee kid to him, slicking my hair back into an Elvis fringe with gel, I'd do impersonations of him and Michael Jackson for friends and family :D

Secondly would be Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins - his song writing and attention to detail struck me when I was 12, he was raw, uncensored and uncompromising. That is something I have always aspired to be like 

 What do you find most challenging about the creative process?

Probably...letting myself go.... I'm very critical of myself and my songs so getting a song past my own standards to bring into a group/band setting can be hard. So many ideas but not always the "right" ideas .... I have like an image of the song on the whole, in my head and unless it gets to that image I'm not at peace with it being in the publics eye or ears

What do you want people to take away from your music?

Enjoyment is most important and the rest is up to the individual, it's ultimately out of my control what people take from it & I'd hate to dictate that

What’s in the pipeline for 2016?

As The Jason McIver Collective ...my new album I May No Perf has just come out and I have a show coming up in Auckland at The Kings Arms on April 22nd. My other band, Primacy has an E.P coming out and a music video which will be supported by numerous shows as well & I'm playing a few private gigs & weddings by myself. Plenty to keep occupied :)