SecondLife Singer/Songwriter Showcase

 

The JOE FILES


Joe Rizzo, aka Joe Paravane,  has been playing guitar for several years and developed his skills all through high school, and college years.  Currently he plays in RL with This Old Band, a rhythm and blues trio, and runs a recording studio in the San Francisco Bay area.  With Joe, you'll hear many originals and covers that showcase 100% guitar with a smooth voice that captivates your ears.  He has that great finger-picking style mixed with folk rock undertones that will make you want more. With infuences of Jerry Garcia Acoustic Band, Mississippi John Hurt, Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, Elizabeth Cotten, Bob Dylan, the Beatles and more, you won't have to be looking...you just have to be there when he plays in Second Life!



Q&A


1. Why are you a singer/songwriter?

First and foremost I love music, playing and writing.  To me it is a big puzzle how words and music fit together with a very loose set of rules.

Music is one of the most powerful things in the world even more so than politics or any politician.  I would like my music to enable people to see and feel things in a different light and to expand people's consciousness.  The world is literally made up of vibrating material - it is the songwriters job to tap into this and wake people up to the true reality of the world.  When I was younger I wanted to be a musician and songwriter but as time went by I realized it is something I simply am compelled to do and will most likely do until I die.


2.  What is your musical background? Do you have a musical family or did you just fall into songwriting all on your own?

I was kicked out of chorus music class in 5th grade and not allowed back in for pretending to sing.  I am primarily self taught on guitar and started songwriting right away when I was young.  First just writing poems and then putting them into music.  I have been writing ever since.


3. What sorts of things have you done to improve your songwriting?

I always keep a pen in my pocket as well as an iPod touch to jot done ideas and notes.   Sounds silly but ideas and lyrics can hit you anywhere - usually when you least expect it.  I always try to write down things quickly when I experience a good moment.  I am always trying to learn new things.  I have transcribed over 1000 of my favorite songs, chords and lyrics and continue to do so.   I listen to all styles of music and try to pull the best elements of different styles into my own thing.  I just recently attended a creative workshop with singer songwriter Suzanne Vega.


4. Have you written any songs in the last 12 months? What are you working on now and where do you feel your music is headed?

Yes, I started writing my latest song 'Spread Joy' at the end of August and am still re-fining it a bit.   I have been re-working an old song 'Buckets Full of Water' that I have played only rarely but people have been asking me about it and telling me I should play it more. 


5. And finally, what advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar path to yours?

Follow your heart.  Pour your love into what you do.   Be observant.  Let go of your ego and let the song reveal itself to you.  When you first start out it is ok to copy other people  but at a certain point you need to create and develop your own style.


Joe LINKS