FEATURED INTERVIEWS

Timmy Curran

Timmy Curran's music? Like the sound of waves crashing on a beautiful day.
By: Gian Erguiza - - September 23rd, 2008 - 1:18 pm PST

Musician, surfer and traveling man. Timmy Curran is the free spirited individual who has produced a beautiful record full of melodies and emotion in 'Word of Mouth.' Timmy's sincere look at life, along with his travels, has given him the unique opportunity of making pure, unfiltered music. His new video for 'Blue Eyes' is already making waves on VH1, MTVU and is currently making it's rounds online to much acclaim. Let's meet the man behind the music.

Hey Timmy! What's good my man? For our beloved readers who have not heard of Timmy Curran, Could you please do me a favor and give our readers a quick history lesson on how you got started and your humble beginnings?

I come from a family of musicians. I grew up listening to my grandmother play the organ and sing, my dad and his brothers all play music as well. The Curran Christmas and Thanksgivings were more like hootenanies and are still to this day. My dad bought me my first guitar when I was about 13, and ever since I got that guitar I've been hooked. I have tried writing songs from the time I was about 16, but it wasnt until 3 years ago in Japan where I wrote a song called "If I Only Had A Way that I was comfortable singings and showing my friends and family. One of my friends told me about a compilation album that was going to be released in Japan and that I should send in that song that I recorded on a mini disc recorder in my bathroom to see if they would maybe want to use it. A few weeks later we heard back that they wanted to use it. I was so excited and could not believe that one of my songs was going to be on a compilation album. From then on I just kept on writing, and recording and then started playing a few local acoustic shows. I recorded an ep called Citsuca, then got offered to open for Switchfoot, and Eisley. A few months later I got offered to open up for Foo Fighters on their acoustic tour that finished off at the Sydney Opera House. This whole music thing has been a total surprise and blessing. I never would of dreamed to even be playing music in front of people.

So what's new Timmy? What's new in the world of Timmy Curran and what are you cooking in the kitchen for us?

I am going to start filming a film with my good friend Josh Landan who has made a few great movies and documentaries. We are going to be taking the Amtrak from Oregon to San Diego over the months of October and November surfing, and playing a few shows along the way. We are hoping to release the movie next summer.

Awesome! "Word Of Mouth" is a great album with lots of good vibes and melodies. How excited were you on release day, to play the songs in a live setting and which song seems to be a crowd favorite so far?

Thank you so much, it was a dream come true! We had such a blast recording and I am so happy with the way it all turned out thanks to my friends who played on it, and to my producer and friend Ian Nickus. With all the great opportunities we have had opening up for bands its been a real blast for us. Also playing with such great musicians Andy Smith and Ryan Gleason has really been fun and they have taught me so much. I think so far Blue Eyes and Slow have gotten the best response.

"They are all very personal, and song writing for me comes easiest when I have a heavy heart about something in my life or something going on in someones life around me. I really believe that writing is therapy for me, its such a release, and I feel better when I am able to get my thoughts off my chest."

Now, Your songs sound like they have a lot of love, pain and emotion behind it and that's the way it should be. Do any of the songs strike a personal note with you and how is the songwriting process like for you?

They are all very personal, and song writing for me comes easiest when I have a heavy heart about something in my life or something going on in someones life around me. I really believe that writing is therapy for me, its such a release, and I feel better when I am able to get my thoughts off my chest.

The "Blue Eyes" videos' sweet! Didn't know you could do some acting my man, good job! Are you the genius behind the concept of the video and how much fun was it shooting the video?

Yes, it was my idea, but I got a lot of ideas from my friend Josh Landan who directed it and some great ideas from Matt Rhodes who stole blue eyes from me. It is really easy to act like an idiot when your friend is directing it. We had a lot a friends involved, and I am so happy to have a music video out there. That is another thing that I never would of imagined having. I am really glad we went the comedy route for our first video.

Let's talk surf. I've never tried surfing. I've got too many fears of the water but judging from the videos on your site, you are pretty awesome on that surfboard! How does surfing translate into your music and how has it changed your views of the world as a musician and a surfer?

Surfing has been another blessing, and has giving me so much extra time to write music,see the world, and meet people in so many other countries. I think travelling the world is like going to college constantly. You are dealing with currencies, languages, maps, and sickness and so many other things on the road, I have learned so much.

Give me a good example of something that has inspired you lately to write more songs, whether it'd be another band/artist, event, or where do you draw inspiration from when songwriting?

I just saw Radiohead at the Santa Barbara Bowl and I was inspired to do a really amazing light show, even though I am no where close to that as an artist. It looked really cool, and it must be great to be able to have a light show at your own concert. Might be a little to much for people when they are watching us play at a cafe or bar.

I agree. Did you always have the intention of playing music and has music been some type of sanctuary for you all these years? It has been mine?

I never had the intension, it was a total surprise, and I just enjoyed playing the guitar which by itself is therapy for me.

Where do you fit into the musical landscape? With so many bands working the music world, where do you fit into the equation and what are your thoughts on the music scene as a whole?

I dont know? I think I just try and write songs that I am pleased with. If I tried to please people or the world, I would never put anything out. I just always try and remind myself that this is my hobbie that I love and hope to do till' Im old and grey.

Hey Timmy, let's detour for a second. Mother earth is doing something none of us can foresee. The threat of global warming seems to be real. Is Timmy Curran 'Going green' anytime soon and can you tell us one thing that can help mother earth?

I think we need to definitely be aware of the world and pollution, and we need to treat the earth and its oceans with care for sure. I am a lot more concerned with people, food, and shelter than saving the planet. I hope we dont get to side tracked on it.

Timmy Curran thinks that _________________are beautiful.

Waves

Let's talk about your fans. Any memorable fan treats lately, strange encounters or how much do you adore your fans?

Its always weird saying fans, but If people like my music or surfing I am thankful. I try and work really hard at both so it is really rewarding if someone likes what your doing.

Tell us one thing that bands need to have these days to make it in this industry?

Patience, time, money, and a great team.

Hey! I said one! just kidding, those are key elements, great answers! So what else can we expect from you for the rest of 2008 going into 2009?

Movies, music, and hopefully good times.

Any additional comments or shout-outs?

Thanks for taking the time to do this interview, and safe journeys in this world.

Same to you my friend, Thanks a mil Timmy and good luck on your journeys!

I Email to Friend I Print