What was the biggest fun during the making of Also Rans? 

JA: Probably collaborating with my friends. I am very lucky to have talented friends help me out on the record. You know, I send stuff to Scott (McCaughey) and he just sprinkles his fairy pop dust on it and the songs sound beautiful! Scott, Jay, Boz, Deni, JJ, Matt….those guys make it so much fun. They’re my friends but I’m also a huge admirer of each of them. I’m very lucky. I think the other big fun was recording my bits all at home. I like not having to go anywhere! I wasn’t under a time crunch or rushed, and I could do whatever the hell I felt like!

If we want to know you, which song do we have to listen to? And why?

JA: Probably The Stars In Our Eyes and The Long Goodbye. Why? Because I’m nostalgic and fatalistic, hahahahaha.

The music industry has changed a lot (or so they say). What did it bring you? And what not?

JA: I can’t say the music industry has done much for me, really. I haven’t really been in a position to have it do much. That said, independent record stores and labels such as Kool Kat and Euclid have been helpful for sure. I think at this point the artist can do most things on their own. That said, I’d love to be able to put out vinyl and have it not break the bank! Or perhaps get the music out to more people.

Who is the best musician in the world nobody has heard of yet? And why will this change very soon?

JA: Well, my first inclination is to say the best musicians in the world are my friends that helped me on the record! But since they’re known……there is a local singer/songwriter named Joe Kile who just released a record that is really, really good.

She tells you she will decide on a 5-song-mixed tape if there is going to be a second date. Which 5 would you put on?

JA: This is hard. I used to do these all the time in high school, and there was never even a first date!!

1. Graham Coxon: Spectacular
2. Sloan: Can’t You Figure It Out
3. The Minus 5: With A Gun
4. Michael Nesmith: You Are My One
5. Wendy and Bonnie: I Realized You

What’s up for the next couple of months?

JA: Already working on another record. I have 10 songs on the go! Maybe setting up shows for next year in NY, and points elsewhere!

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