This month's featured artist is Jeff Czum from Cute is What We Aim For. Hear what he has to say about coming back after some time off and being a part of the Van's Warped Tour!
Breedlove: Cute is What We Aim For is back after many years off. What is it like hitting the stage again?
Jeff Czum: After taking a 3 year hiatus, it feels incredible to have the opportunity to perform again. I really took it for granted back in 2005-2008, so there is this appreciation among us that's very humbling.
BL: How is your sound different the last time?
JC: I wouldn't necessarily say that it's different, but I can say that we have all matured as musicians and it really shows throughout our live set. We have little more confidence this time around.
BL: Who are your musical influences?
JC: I've been on an indie/folk/r&b kick lately so I'm a little all over the place. Artists like Frightened Rabbit, Chet Faker, Blood Orange, Rocky Votolato and even Lana Del Rey really inspire me. Its simplicity at it's best and I think that's what makes a great song.
BL: And this summer you are touring with Warped Tour. How has that experience been?
JC: I've been dying to get back on Warped Tour ever since we did it back in 2007. Between the summer camp vibe and big production, it's the most fun I've ever had on tour. I'm constantly surrounded by people who all have the same goals and aspirations as me so it's a very good environment to be in!
BL: What city has the craziest fans?
JC: So far on this tour, Mesa AZ has had the craziest fans. We played right as the sun was setting in the desert and our crowd still had so much energy during our set.
BL: During each stop you are playing both on the MainStage and Acoustic Stage. What do you like about the acoustic stage?
JC: I've always loved playing acoustically, it gives us a chance to strip our songs down and create an intimate setting with our fans. I just love that it always turns into a big singalong.
BL: With regards to gear you play a Breedlove Premier Concert Mahogany – why did you pick that guitar? What do you like most about it?
JC: I wanted to try something that I've never played before and what drew me to the Concert Mahogany was the shape and feel. It's a very comfortable guitar and the sound is unlike any other acoustic that I've played before.
BL: What’s next after this tour?
JC: After Warped Tour, our plan is to go directly into the studio and record and release a record as soon as possible.
Photo Credit: Brian Ramond
