GMU Broadside Interview

Spotlight on Local Singer/Songwriter
-by Kaye Lewis

Joe Herbert is an original. He has been playing around the DC/NVA area for about three years. Some nights you can catch him at local venues as a solo acoustic act and on other nights he’s with a bass and conga player or a full rock band. I recently caught up with Joe at the Tiffany Tavern, a bar in Olde Town Alexandria. Ted, the owner welcomes new talent and features live music seven days a week.

BROADSIDE: So, Joe, who influenced you musically when you were growing up?

JH: Well, I’ve definitely been influenced by Dylan. I mean, it’s gotta start there. He’s the man. I remember the first time I heard ‘Like a Rolling Stone’ on the radio, it just blew my mind completely. Just the way he sings that- ”how does it feeeeeel”…amazing! He also influenced me to just write from the heart and not just put sappy words together because they sound cute and catchy. I think a lot of today’s music lacks originality, particularly the lyrics.

B: How about today’s singer/songwriters? Anybody you admire or feel a kinship with?

JH: Well…Dylan still tops the list. Then there’s Tom Petty…Van Morrison… I like Alanis. Eddie Vedder is good.

B: What kind of music do you listen to?

JH: I listen to all kinds of stuff. A real eclectic mix. I like world music…stuff from all over the Middle East. I like all types of Asian music. I listen to Morcheeba, Beck, Hanson, the Dead, Ben Harper, some old jazz like Miles and Coltrane. I mean…the list goes on. I like the Last Poets. I’m into hip- hop and go-go is alright too. I like that 'acid jazz' band that comes around here -Fat Mama. They’re pretty wild.

B: What do you write about and what is your inspiration and motivation?

JH: Hmm, well, I’ve written over 200 songs, mostly about people. I like to write about relationships and interactions with others. I get a lot of inspiration straight from my own life. Things I’ve actually done, people I’ve known or would like to be with…arguments I’ve had. My songs have to reflect that passion I was feeling when I wrote them. Like anger. Or desire. Those are good ones.

B: What are some future plans? Is recording in the picture.?

JH: I do get people coming up to me asking about buying a cd.. I plan to get back in the studio sometime in April and finish laying down some new tunes, which I think are some of my best so far. I’m also developing some Mp3s for my web page.

B: Where can we catch you playing in the area, Joe?

JH: I’ve played alone or with a band at a bunch of area clubs. Fat Tuesday’s, Tiffany Tavern, Jaxx, Patriot’s Café, over at Zig’s, the Grog and Tankard, Madam’s Organ, out at Wilmer’s Park… lots of others. I’ve also played in the streets of D.C., though that gig’s not as glamorous as it sounds.

B: What’s been the audience’s response to your style?

JH: The response has been fantastic. I think my strength is in my lyrics, so it’s great when people are interested in the words and what meanings they conjure up. It’s cool to hear the various interpretations that people come up with. I think that’s a good thing. Everybody gets what they need and want from the music. I don’t feel the need to clarify. It’s all about the listener’s point of view anyway.

B: Joe, thanks a lot for taking the time to sit down with me. I wish you the best of luck in all your endeavors but especially your musical ones. Never lose that original sound, ya hear?

JH: Thanks for the support, Kaye. I appreciate it.


(Contact Joe Herbert by email at....(old email and phone, etc.)

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This interview was published in early April, 2000 in the school newspaper "Broadside" from George Mason University, Fairfax, VA.

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