AN INTERVIEW WITH EDGAR STRUBLE

31 March 2006

Did you always know you wanted to pursue a career in music?

By the time I graduated from high school, I was pointed in that direction. Earlier, I had my sights set on being an automotive engineer, and in fact had been accepted in the school of engineering at Michigan State University. But in my senior year, we were blessed with an exceptional band director who galvanized the whole school. He really instilled in me a passion for music. During his tenure, I decided to study music.

You often meet with local students when you’re on tour to hold what you call “informances” Can you explain what those are?

We play some music, and we talk about our instruments, talk about what it takes to become proficient on an instrument and how much fun it is to be able to play. I believe it’s important to instill the love of music in children at an early age. I can remember to this day somebody coming into my fourth grade class with an accordion and a guitar, and I seem to remember they played “In the Mood.” It just turned a light on for me. I wanted to be able to play music like that. And if that happens to one person in the audience and they pick up that particular ball and run with it, then I’ve done something to help pass that on.

Why is music – or any of the arts – so important?

If we don’t have the arts, we die. Not literally, but figuratively. There’s healing in music and art, and the chance to express ourselves. And we can also express ourselves, I believe, by listening.

What kind of music do you enjoy?

I listen to a lot of different music. I have the radio pre-set on a country station and a smooth jazz station. I also love old rhythm and blues. James Brown was an influence and I still like to hear him. As a composer, I have to emulate a lot of different styles, so I’m apt to listen to hip hop or classical music even though I wouldn’t as a matter of choice. I would be remiss in not mentioning Kenny Rogers. His music was my training ground, and he recorded dozens of great tunes.

What music is essential to the well-stocked CD cabinet?

I think everybody should have a Louis Armstrong record, because that’s where a lot of what we consider jazz came from. I’d also include a Miles Davis record, especially “Kind of Blue,” because it was another jazz milestone record. My collection would also include some Merle Haggard, some classical titles, Keb Mo, Ray Charles, and “the best of Motown” from the ’60s.

What direction to you see music going in the future?

There seems to be a movement away from melody-driven tunes to rhythm-driven energy. That’s not necessarily bad, but it’s hard on guys like me who really love to hang their hats on melody. I’ve adapted, however. A lot of the stuff I compose for The American Music Awards is in this style.

What’s your process when creating a new composition?

A lot of my work is done via the computer and sample libraries. So when I start a project, I assemble the “orchestra,” which means auditioning lots and lots of sounds until I come up with a palette that I feel will serve the show. Then I start writing. I usually don’t have time for the muse to strike, so I just write. Hopefully I’m good enough so whatever comes out, inspired or not, will be of a high quality and appropriate for the project.

Country music is more popular than ever. Can you explain its almost universal appeal?

Kenny Rogers always told me country music is the white man’s blues, and I would have to agree. Country songs can tell a story, can make you laugh or cry, and can be healing. That so much emotion can come out of this simplicity is quite amazing to me. And even though the songs may only contain three of four chords, there is a definite technique, style, and level of expertise required to get ’em right. That’s “right”, as in “believable.” There’s not much worse than country music played poorly.

You’re also a performer yourself. Tell me about that.

I love live performance, as it’s a great way to connect with people musically and emotionally. When I perform, it’s usually with a six-piece or larger band that includes some horn players. I never tire of rhythm & blues or jazz songs that lend themselves so well to a horn section. I also love to sing, something I hardly ever get to do as a composer. My greatest joy, however, is surrounding myself with great musicians and allowing them to shine. I’m at my best when I can lead a great-sounding group through a performance.

I understand your daughters are interested in performing, too. How do you feel about that?

My kids decided, after having a lot of fun acting in local theatrical productions, that they wanted to be “actors” and appear in commercials. Being naïve parents, we said, “Sure, no problem.” One thing led to another and now all four of them have an agent, and all four have indeed appeared in national TV commercials. Two have sung on a movie soundtrack, and two have had their photo on Wells Fargo billboards across the Southwest. What a hoot to be driving down the freeway, looking up and seeing your two daughters’ smiling faces on a billboard! We told the kids as long as they could keep God in the middle of it and continue to have fun with it, we would continue to support them in their acting endeavors. So far, it’s worked out fine.