Silicon Valley Rocks

http://www.myspace.com/THEMUSICLOVERS

Band Members: Matthew “Ted” Edwards, Ping Chu, Kate Weeks, Jon Brooder, Bryan Cain

Tech Industry Affiliation: Drummer Ping Chu is the Software Developer for Flixster.com.

Bobbie Gentry

Saturday

SVR: Tell us about your band. How did you get started? How long have you been playing?

The Music Lovers: Ted started the group in 2003 and we signed with Detroit indie label Le Grand Magistery in 2004. We’ve released 2 albums and an EP on LGM, and our third record “Masculine Feminine” is out in January in the U.S. (though already released in Italy and Japan). We’ve played extensively here and on the east coast (and Italy and the U.K.) and our records have garnered great praise in magazines such as The Word, Mojo, Rolling Stone.com, Exclaim, All Music Guide, etc.

SVR: Who are your major influences?

The Music Lovers: Jacques Brel, The Go-Betweens, Dusty Springfield, John Cassavetes, Memphis soul, Smiths B-sides.

SVR: What inspired you to make music together?

The Music Lovers: Ted: I can do nothing but make music. I have been singing since I was a child and writing songs almost as long. “Together”? A strange magnetic pull.

SVR: What’s your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune—at least in the music business?

The Music Lovers: Ted: I want to make the most beautiful and romantic music that we are capable of, and in doing so, I want to continue to move people, more people all the time. Being in The Music Lovers is a volition, a calling. I just want people to “get it,” and many do. I’m unsure that there is a “music industry” anymore, and frankly I don’t particularly care.

SVR: What’s your day job?

The Music Lovers: Ted: I am an occupational therapist who works with people with autism. Ping is the tech chap.

SVR: How does your music influence your work or vice versa?

The Music Lovers: Ted: Ping is very rational… I think this comes from his tech work. I, on the other hand, am not particularly rational, though I am patient—ha!

SVR: Why is music education important?

The Music Lovers: It opens portals that nothing else can… it is the “great release.” All children should have the opportunity to live in this world.

SVR: What was your own experience learning music as a kid? Who flipped that switch your brain?

The Music Lovers: Ted: My parents—a house full of show-tunes, Glen Campbell, hymns, Sinatra, big bands, country, Irish songs, etc. I bought a 2-pound guitar from a boot-repair shop and taught myself to play. Having parents who were both fine singers helped. No formal education whatsoever, just a will…