An Interview with Jeffrey Moscone by Libertad Green for LA Libertad Magazine www.lalibertad.tk
La Libertad: What gave you the idea to create the music video, turned short film, Final Tears?
Jeffrey: (laughing out loud) Where DID all this begin? Seems like so long ago already??? Ok, I first wrote the chorus:
Pull the plug
Set met free
I am my own worst enemy
Lost, alone
Can't find my way home
Stop this madness
And all this sadness
For I have cried my Final Tears
(holy long a** chorus…)
I wrote the chorus for the song and then the verses, all based on the repetitive, bad decisions and crumbled relationships of my past, and somewhere, somehow, I had myself convinced that I had learned my lesson(s) and will not repeat that behavior again, hence "I have cried my Final Tears." Soooo, after reading the finished song, I got the idea to make a music video with a little more character presence than normal to help create a story-based music video. During the filming process, I just couldn't imagine not going full throttle and producing a short movie instead. There was so much more content and twists that could be added to make it even better. And, there's something different about the story, too; it's not your average "sex, drugs and rock 'n roll" glorified video. It's the real s*** that goes on behind a working musician's door. The good, the bad and the real ugly!
La Libertad: When did you decide to create Final Tears?
Jeffrey: I first wrote the song in November of 2011, along with 5 others. The creative juices were over flowing because one of the most traumatic times in my life had just come to a close. Well, it certainly wasn't closed, but it was the beginning of the end. You'll have to watch the movie to get the details! (laughing)
La Libertad: What caused you to decide to turn Final Tears into a film?
Jeffrey: There were two reasons for doing the film. The first was that, after watching the unedited footage for the music video, after a day of shooting, I couldn't imagine it any other way, it just felt like the right thing to do. Grow the characters and tell the real story - not just snips of it, but associate it with the song as well. At the time it sounded like a fresh idea, too; not many people have done that. Nor do many people have the b**** to come front and center to the world with their personal lives, which is the other reason. It was also a personal challenge. I wanted to throw my story out there, so some will laugh at me; some will cry, and maybe some will be so scared s******* that they will learn from it and not make the same mistakes that I have. (laughing)
La Libertad: Final Tears is a project based on your real-life experiences, so how hard was it for you to film certain scenes?
Jeffrey: Aaaaaaah, very hard! I had to walk out a couple times during one very intense scene in the phase two shoot. In phase three, there was an even more intense scene where my whole body was shaking during my final lines. I kind of kick my own a** though; I'm good at that! What I mean is, I write lines for everyone, and during specific, heavy parts, I keep a few of the more dramatic ones off the script so no one knows what I'm about to say, and then, when it happens the reactions are natural and very "impact-full."
La Libertad: Had you ever produced, directed, or acted in a film project or music video before?
Jeffrey: I've been in many music videos, primarily as the drummer of course, but in the "Nelly" shoot, I was asked to act out simple dramatic parts. (laughing) The director had me smoke through the whole damn thing; I guess he thought THAT was dramatic?!?! I have done some light extra work in a couple sitcoms. I have been recording/producing music for a long time, but I've never directed before. So, let's do a summary for "Tears" that should characterize me as a complete madman. I acted in 90% of the scenes (had to change clothing and hair about 7 jillion times), directed, organized, hired, built all sets and also am editing and producing the film. Thats' insane. I love it, though - wouldn't have it any other way; I'm a workaholic!
La Libertad: You filmed a lot in a short amount of time, so how did you handle the pressure?
Jeffrey: Pressure?? Ha! I work best under pressure. However, my ideas (songs, this video, etc.) are organic, meaning, once I write something, it has the potential to grow and change. And holy s***, "Final Tears" grew and changed so many times that I'm sure people were annoyed with me; actually, they usually are anyway. :) I remember promising someone that it was the last time that I was going to make changes to the script only to do it again the next day. My head is always on 11 and ideas just fly right out. I have a hard time leaving things like that alone. I always feel like I can better my creations. But, sometimes I should just leave it be, yeah? :)
La Libertad: Is film-making something you want to become more involved in?
Jeffrey: Absolutely! I'm fascinated with making scenes come to life to tell a story. It's very rewarding to see your vision come full circle as well.
La Libertad: When did you first have an interest in music?
Jeffrey: Wow! My first interest in music was [when I was] around six years old, when I started banging on things. It was soon after that when I started stealing my sister's records, too. We were born on the same day, seven years apart; she's older. Hahahaaaa!
La Libertad: What do you hope to accomplish with Final Tears?
Jeffrey: I hope to finish it!!! (laughing) No, really, I'll be happy to have it finished, and then I'll be submitting it to Independent Film Companies in hopes of it being picked up to be shown in theaters.
La Libertad: How long have you been playing what instruments?
Jeffrey: I've been playing drums for a very long time! :) OK, OK! Over 30 years! I took piano lessons for three months once, and would rather stick a pencil in my eye than do that again. I also took guitar lessons for about five months before deciding that I was just not the guy for that instrument! I felt totally naked playing guitar and couldn't find my mojo at all!
La Libertad: How long have you been performing?
Jeffrey: I've been playing professionally for 25 years. I think my first paid show [when I] was somewhere around 16, at this super fabulous snowmobile club in Millinocket, Maine. (laughing) Holy crap!! All of our parents show'd up; we made 'em pay a cover too! It was funny shit! I still have pictures of that somewhere, I think.
La Libertad: Career highlights?
Jeffrey: I've played in front of an a** load of people around the country and Europe, but I'll never forget Rocklahoma 2008 with Jetboy. I was standing on my kick drum with my sticks in the air for the last song of the set, "Feel The Shake" (MCA Records), and I was already feeling the rush, but I glanced over at the 40-foot video screen on the side of the stage and it had me head to toe standing on my kit. That gave me the most incredible musical-orgasm that I've ever had, even more than the first time playing in front 50,000 people! Priceless! I'll never forget that, ever. After the song, I jumped off the front of the stage and shook hands with absolutely everyone that I could reach across the gate, and personally thanked them for coming. More people should do that (my opinion).
La Libertad: What was your worst gig?
Jeffrey: The worst gig was probably the one where I was talked to by the band the next day about my drinking habits affecting my ability to play a solid set. I always said, "I don't have a problem if what I'm doing doesn't interfere with my work." Well, that was hard to swallow, but it was true, and I felt very guilty. But, I turned it into a good thing, and changed my perspective on drinking and lowered my consumption drastically.
La Libertad: Do you have a funny story to share? If so, what?
Jeffrey: I have loads of "Jeff-Tricks" stories. :)
A looooong time ago, I was playing [at] a middle school, and the kids were going right friggin' insane over us. Again, it was the last song of the set, and I climbed up on my drum stool to eventually jump off it and bring the band out on the final crash as I came down. Anyway, I came down all right; the second I got up where everyone could see me and threw my fist in the air, I lost my balance, and the stool flipped over. First, if you could've heard the noise that came out of my mouth as I started to fall you'd already be choking to death from laughter. I've never been able to repeat that sound. You have to picture this in slow motion as I fall to the drum stage making a sound like a wounded whale, then SLAMMMMMM! I was down! The whole stage shook, people thought I was dead, when I was actually laughing my ass off; I was crying, laughing so hard. I just jumped right back up, then the kids lost their mind and stormed the stage, tearing at our clothes, it was crazy!
La Libertad: Who is your inspiration/influence as an artist?
Jeffrey: I have so many… I listen to everything from Neil Diamond to Yanni to Avenged Sevenfold. I find beauty in most types of music. Rush (Neil Peart), Mötley Crüe (Tommy Lee), Iron Maiden (Nicko McBrain) and Queensryche (Scott Rockenfield)... They were all huge influences on me while growing up, learning how to slam a drum kit properly.
Now I listen for good hooks and lyrics as inspiration in my writing. I've been playing Rise Against and Avenged Sevenfold on repeat for months now. Brilliant lyrics and some epic hooks!
La Libertad: When do you intend to release "Final Tears"?
Jeffrey: I think the Social Site release will occur sometime in July; the specific date depends on how many distractions I can create at my house that will keep me from this project. (laughing)
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Jeff Moscone - Drums (The Question, Slow Dance)
Jeff was the first collaborator that agreed to work with me online. Dealing with Jeff was great and his talent is easily recognizable from the first time you hear his work. His recording scheme captures the kit perfectly. Without ever meeting me Jeff captured the essence of “The Question” and inspired me on the notion of producing music for whatever audience develops.
On Chasing the Golden Age, Jeff helped make "Slow Dance" my favorite cut from the album. His timing and transitions on toms to end bars into seamless ride and snare in the verses brought a heart beat to this sentimental tune. His willingness to work with sometimes unpolished demos and contribute album ready work proves his appreciation for music production and song creation that is thoughtful and enjoyable without being routine and monotonous. Jeff’s shared the stage with some of the biggest figures in rock music for a reason, he’s got skills. Check Jeff out today for his concert schedule and production info.
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