Raised in a musical family in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Todd Greene discovered the art of song at a young age.
His affinity for the acoustic guitar and the singer/songwriters of the era compelled him to hone his craft. Today, he is an engaging performer with introspective original songs and a rich voice that is steeped in rhythm & blues. He is truly an original American storyteller and captivating artist.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
Overall, I think it’s helped regarding the diversity, accessibility and quantity of music. However, it has also made it difficult to be discovered because of the number of people uploading music – I think it’s something like 55,000 a day or something now. It has become a “social media music industry” and that is just how it is. It isn’t as much about the music as it is about how someone gains followers. You must be on top of the PR game, and the social media blasts, just to be seen and heard. However, it does give you control over your marketing and image.
I think eventually they’ll be other platforms and things will evolve. It has definitely made it harder to make a living because of streaming and those who control that!
What is your biggest musical challenge?
I think my biggest musical challenge is trying not to repeat myself or someone else. For instance, I don’t want the sounds and the melodies I’m making to sound like something I’ve already heard time and time again. It’s difficult to be original, to begin with. Creating songs and finding the true melodic carrier for the story are the most important things. It helps to enhance the words and that can be tricky sometimes.
What inspires your writing? Do you draw inspiration from poems, music, TV, or other media?
I mean, it comes from all different directions – things that I hear, sees, read, etc. Sometimes you just overhear someone, and you get some really good stuff that way. I do like to go out and hear other artists or songwriters from time to time. There’s something about the live performances that really bring across the emotion and connection to the lyrics.
When you create music, what is your personal purpose or goal?
The goal is to tell the story as best as you can, with creativity, emotion and depth. That is what makes a song have its own life and reach. Hopefully, it means something to someone and helps them to not feel alone in their situation.
What are your plans for any future releases?
At this stage, I am releasing singles. I cut an EP last year in Nashville and I am going to be releasing those 3 songs every couple of months. The first is one called “Get Up” and it is out and available on all streaming platforms. On March 21, I will be releasing “Talk To Me” and then in June, “Bound To Change.”
What do you enjoy most about being an artist?
I think I enjoy creating and making music the most – playing music with other musicians. That’s when the good stuff happens. But, even more so, is that connection with an audience and people. It is so amazing when strangers come up to you and say “this song meant this to me” or “this song made me feel this way.” It means a lot because they always interpret things in ways you would not expect. It’s such a cool thing when that happens.
What would be a good theme song for your life?
Oh, wow…that would probably have to be “The Long and Winding Road.”
What was the last TV series you watched on TV?
“1923.” I’m into the Western thing, but this one is the best!
Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
Oh, man! Well, I’ll look nothing like him, but he’s one of the best actors of our time. Daniel Day Lewis. At least he would make me more intriguing and better looking! Ha!
What’s your favorite board game?
Trivial Pursuit and Backgammon…roll the dice.
Do you have any lucky items, objects, or traditions?
I don’t have any lucky trinkets or things. I’m not superstitious and I don’t go through rituals before I get on stage or something. I just have the numbers 11 and 7. They pop up all the time!
http://toddgreenemusic.com/#about