Clicking Around With Music: the big sky project

the basics:

name: the big sky project

label: craton

label type: indie

myspace visits: 17839

myspace friends: 1758

albums: the big sky project (one projected for 2009)

my take:

emerging out of the great city of columbus, ohio, the big sky project is a sound for the ages. one would not expect such mature blend from a relatively young band. there is definite evidence in their sound that the allman brothers were indeed their favorite live performers and idols.

brief, flowing guitar interludes in songs like "the bigger man" characterize the soulful classic jamband-esque blues into condensed moments of power. even though the band just celebrated their year anniversary in august (awww), they have meshed into a cohesive collection that will hopefully carry on the tradition of their idols.

reading rainbow summary:

if you're down for bluesy easy listening for car rides and any laid back party, you've found your soundtrack.

Art Star: Names:

The Big Sky Project: Dan Prolago. Matt Hopkins, Sam Manzella

AS: Who would win in a street fight between Bob Dylan and Neil Young?

TBSP: Definitely Neil Young he has to “fight to control the violent side”. There would be blood on the tracks for sure.

AS: If you were a sticky note, what would you be stuck to and what would it say?

TBSP: I would be stuck on this question and it would say “remind me later”.

AS: What is your favorite milkshake flavor?

TBS: Strawberry

AS: Favorite Band Live:

TBSP: The Allman Brothers Band, Government Mule, Ekoostik Hookah, Rat Dog.

AS: Favorite Band to open up for and/or that has opened for your.

TBSP: The Macpodz

AS: Favorite instrument that you do not currently play

TBSP: Steel Drums

AS: In the 2008 election, what issue do you feel is the most important?

TBSP: The Economy

AS: How did your band come up with the name?

TBSP: The original Drummer, John Ohalek, wanted to do something with the Sky during an altered state of consciousness. The Band thought of a few variations until The Big Sky Project was agreed upon. It has reference to some of the bands song lyrics, and to summits, and buildings.

AS: What artist is currently revolutionizing music (other than yourself, of course)?

TBSP: Beck

AS: From what do you draw musical inspiration?

TBSP: Life Experience, women, each other.

AS: What music did your parents expose you to in your youth?

TBSP: The Beatles, country, Pink Floyd, church hymnals, mo-town, Led Zeppelin, and ragtime.

AS: How did the band get together? If too complicated, was there a comical story in the progression of the band?

TBSP: Dan and John were originally in a band called Maplewood and decided to play again. Sam Manzella came over to jam. We wrote a few songs. Our friends liked them so we got a little geared up and decided to start playing out.

AS: What was the toughest decision you have had to make as a band? How did you come to that decision?

TBSP: Getting a new drummer was the hardest decision. We fired John, just kidding. John quit because he was too busy with personal things. So we got a new drummer and had gone through several before we got it together with Matt. The others were not the right match for the band.

AS: First Instrument:

TBSP: Violin

AS: Favorite Venue to play at:

TBSP: Ruby Tuesday

AS: At what moment did you realize you wanted to do live music?

TBSP: When I was fourteen; but I always participated in various forms of live music in school.

AS: Most embarrassing moment on stage:

TBSP: None come to mind.

AS: What are you looking forward to the most about this touring session?

TBSP: Meeting other musicians and having fun playing.

AS: And finally, is there anything else that you would like to share with the Art Star audience?

TBSP: We just recorded 2 Cd’s. One will be for sale on line soon. All of the tracks are available for download through I-tunes, and Sno-cap. At www.thebigskyproject.com and at www.myspace.com/thebigskyproject . Check it out, have fun!!

help support the band. artstar does not get any money if you buy their songs or if you visit their link. we just want to make sure these guys stay well fed so they can keep producing greatness. enjoy!