by Kenneth Morton

The Follow Through is the solo project from Joe Kirkland, who also happens to be in the band Artist vs. Poet. Although Artist is his main band that he is consistently on the road with, somehow Joe K. finds time to write and record his own acoustic-based music. His latest effort is called It’s About Time!, now available on Itunes. Here is a brief interview we conducted with Joe K. prior to an Artist vs. Poet show at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood…

Why The Follow Through?
Honestly, there’s not like a deep meaning to it. It’s really catchy. I thought about a meaning for it – it’s kind of like following through and doing what I want to do. I didn’t have anybody to play with, so it was like you know what? Screw it, I’m gonna do what I want to do – I’m going to follow through with something.

What’s going to be the name of the new CD?
It’s going to be called the It’s About Time! EP. I just figured it’s appropriate. It took about a year and a half to get it ready.

When you write your lyrics, where do you get your ideas?
A lot of the ideas are from a relationship – I’ve been with my girlfriend for four years, so a lot of them come from that. Also the typical being in a city and trying to get out-of-it mentality. But at the same time, it’s got a positive aura about it.

You think you’ll ever want to tour by yourself?
Honestly, right now, I love the guys in Artist vs. Poet - so honestly for right now, it’s not an option. I just feel like I’ve been able to be a part of a group of guys – we all write together – we’re all family and it’s great! I always want to write music and I want it to get out to people who want to hear it.

What made you decide to go and join a band?
Honestly, I just didn’t feel at home in school – I didn’t feel at home where I was. I had an opportunity and it ended up being like a puzzle piece – it’s just the way it worked. As much as I love to write on my own – and I’m still gonna do it – I just really want to get something out to people who were supporting me so long on the Internet. And they should definitely come see us in Artist Vs Poet and I will totally play them a (Follow Through) song if they come – in the parking lot or something.

How are you taking to touring?
I love it! I’m actually learning a whole bunch. Living in a van and touring – it’s so much fun – it’s doing what I want to do and I couldn’t ask for more.

What does your girlfriend think about you being away for so long?
It’s rough. But she supports me and we’ve been together for a long time. She actually went to school three hours away from me. We’re used to being apart – we’re past all the shallow hook ups and things like that that can either come with being away at school or on tour. Hold on to something good – that’s what you’ve got to do.

How would you describe your music compared to Artist Vs Poet?
It’s almost similar actually – that’s kind of why I joined them. It’s acoustically based at times – it’s pop rock, it’s energetic, it’s very fun. It’s very emotional and very uplifting.

Do you have any messages for people who might want to check out your music?
Thank you so much for listening to it. Please don’t get mad at me that it’s not my main thing, but I’ll always be putting out something on the side just to fuel my own creative fires. Help me out, because it’s on Itunes and it’s always helping me out with money on tour.

There are tons of people who are in more than one band. It happens…
It does happen – it really does. It’s so early on in the stages, and the guys want to know that I’m committed. And I am committed – it’s not like I’m using them as a springboard for my own success. I believe in those guys – and that’s why I joined the band...

The Follow Through links

The Follow Through on Myspace: The Official Myspace Page for The Follow Through!
The Highwire Daze Home Page: Return to the Main Page!

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