Music

Exclusive Interview With Vincent Poag, The Man Behind Masquerade [LP]

Vincent Poag’s multiple releases have been watched millions of times on YouTube, with “America,” “Stress,” and “This Christmas.” His latest album, Masquerade, is bound to follow a similar trajectory. We had the chance to chat with Vincent about his latest album, upcoming projects and more!

First of all, we really want to congratulate you on the release of the album Masquerade. What drove you to release such a vast genre collection?

Thank you. Many of these songs were already in the works. I usually develop the songs/ideas as they come to me. Some are prompted by feelings, others by events. In the last two years we had challenges to our country’s freedoms, a presidential election, and an insurrection, all amidst a worldwide pandemic which closed down and changed all of our lives. Talk about food for thought…Thus the songs “America”, “La La” and “How Lucky Am I.” “America” is a love song for our great country which I felt had lost its way. “La La” is a satirical, perhaps ironic, look at life as well as the heroes through this pandemic. “How Lucky Am I” is just about appreciation of being alive.

We see that the piano, among other instruments, truly shined on this album. Why is that?

Most of these songs were written on piano. I decided to try to learn to play piano just before the pandemic to stimulate my ears to new sounds. I only took a few lessons before everything closed down. Nevertheless, this expanded my hearing to new creative ideas. If I could play I’d really be dangerous. Fortunately my talented conductor/arranger Kathy Sommer is an accomplished pianist who performed and expanded upon the simple songs/melodies I had written on piano.

The names of the albums are truly interesting. What was the thought process behind each name? Do they have a connection to one another?

Let’s see, “Circling back” my first album was my foray back to music and songwriting which I had abandoned years ago to make a living and support my family. “For the Girls”, this one’s dedicated to the girls. How much of what men do is for the girls? Much of what I did was, but I can only speak for myself. We also had some beautiful violinists play on that album. “Heroes and Demons” refers to the continuing struggle between good and evil. The songs on that album travel to many personal places. I think my song “And the Ocean Rolls” sums it up. “Masquerade ” the title of this album is taken from one of my songs on that album “La La” which resonates with me but doesn’t seem to appeal to anyone else I’ve played it for. Ha. It’s also a play on this new “masked” era. I think all the albums are unique. The only common thread is me.

Tell us more about the design behind the album cover. We see a lot of colors and monuments happening

It’s all a comical depiction of these last two years of isolation. The artwork was a process. The initial attempts were not artistic enough. We ultimately decided to hire a cartoonist and gave them specific visuals to work with. After a few rounds of new ideas we signed off on it. Comedy can be an effective therapy. We could all use more laughter.

How would you say this latest album differs from your first one “Circling Back”?

My first recordings were simpler, mostly me on guitar in one session. We brought in a few other musicians for a few additional sessions. These songs were expanded upon by Kathy Sommer. My knowledge of musical arrangements, instruments and orchestrations has grown exponentially, allowing me to experiment with different genres. I prefer not to be pigeon-holed into one category.

How do you think your musical upbringing—being born in the 50’s—differs from other new musicians today?

I was a fan of standards, Broadway musicals, the 50’s AM radio rock and roll, then the 60’s FM radio generation of singer-songwriters. I was certainly inspired by Bob Dylan, The Beatles and all the great singer-songwriters. I believe we are all influenced by the times we grow up in, by what we’re exposed to and what we gravitate to.

What artists have influenced you the most and you can truly see their mark on your work today?

Too many to count. Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Billy Joel, Tom Waits, the Standards, Broadway and so many more.

Are there any upcoming projects on the horizon?

I’m always working on new material. Mostly, I just can’t wait to get back to being free to resume a normal social life. We’re getting there. We’ll get there.

Vincent Poag links: Instagram – YouTube – Spotify – Website

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