Seven Questions In Heaven With Tony Memmel

PHOTO CREDIT: Lesleigh Memmel

I was recently introduced to Tony Memmel's brand of indie rock that blends soulful lyrics with catchy hooks. After just releasing his fourth album and also getting picked as a grand prize winner in the Counting Crows Cover Song contest, Tony Memmel was kind enough to sit down and answer our Seven Questions In Heaven.

Describe your music for our readers who may not be familiar with you.
I am a singer-songwriter, born and raised in Wisconsin. My music is definitely firmly rooted in Americana, Folk, and Heartland Rock, but I'm also influenced by indie rock, classical music, and pop.

Who are your musical influences and idols?
I enjoy a lot of different styles of music and I believe they all influence me in different ways. I tend to go through phases where I'll dig very deeply into a single artist or genre. My deepest influences range from Bruce Springsteen to Johannes Brahms to Fiona Apple. Some of my favorite artists are Bob Dylan, Ben Folds, Arcade Fire, Bon Iver, The National, The Killers, Iron & Wine, Dr. Dre, Wilco, Counting Crows. Also, some more underground indie bands like You Won't, Field Report, and Reed Waddle.

What was the first album, cassette or CD you bought with your own money?
I got a Walkman for Christmas when I was in 4th grade. At the time, I was really into '90s pop music and bought Seal's album, and Des'ree I Ain't Movin'. "Kiss From a Rose" and "You Gotta Be." Awesome. To complete the story, I remember being really torn about which one to choose and ended up getting both within weeks of each other.

When I got a CD Player in 6th grade, I bought Counting Crows' Recovering The Satellites and that's still one of my favorite albums.