Lou: We currently have a rapper named P.O., another very mysterious hip-hop act called Anonymous, the Fluffy Star band, our Canadian artist. Sins of a Divine Mother, a very melodic powerful rock band out of Los Angeles. Jay�s solo project and a few other surprises for D1 enthusiasts to look forward to.
Grace: There are also some awesome bands in D1�s International Battle of the Bands and Free For All Battles�Mind Over Me, Aphasia, Moziac, Eightfold Path, 51 Peg, and Dead Inside the Chrysalis are just a few of them.
7th: If you could give an independent band one piece of advice, what would it be?
Jay: Be prepared to wake up every day and work as hard as you can, todevelop your craft. This is a very touch business, and only the strong survive. This industry is very cruel and no one knows you when you�re down. Be honest with yourself and the people who really support you. Without them there is no you.
Grace: Exposure�get your name out there, be heard and be seen. Keep working at it and take advantage of any opportunity you might have, even if it seems small or insignificant�you never know where it will lead. And of course the cheesy �Never give up on your dreams� is a good motto.
7th: The membership plan gives so much, and costs very little. How does D1�s business model work?
Grace: You know, I really don�t know how they plan on making any money from this hahaha, it�s not about that though. The most important part about D1 is to help some deserving artists. Of course, like anything, there are bills that need to be paid, so I hope that anyone that believes in what D1 is trying to do would show as much support as possible by purchasing a D1 shirt or sticker, a CD, or maybe consider www. D1america.com for hosting and/or ISP services.
Jay: D1 was designed with the artist in mind - in the beginning they don�t have money to spare. We need all the help we can get also. Together we make a statement that is bigger than any corporation. We are the creators and that is what will see us through to the brighter days.
7th: Has devoting so much time and energy to D1 created any conflict with
your other musical projects?
Lou: Jay�s focus is in the studio and with the help of countless Interns and Lance Ratliff of South West Virginia AOL, the D1 Webmaster and designer, Grace Smith, Teresa Hall, and many D1 interns; we get the job done somehow. D1 utilizes the community to assist with the operation of everything at the web site programming their own radio shows. No payola necessary at D1 radio, just a song that one of the DJ�s likes back to the roots of music. It all starts with a song. Visit http://www.swvaol.com/index.php/
Grace: Jay is in the studio working. Lou takes care of most of the business aspects of D1. The rest of us do what needs to be done. I don�t think it creates a conflict for any of us, because everyone has a lot of fun, and we take pride in D1 and enjoy being a part of it. For most of us, the people we are working with have become like family. Everyone is willing to pitch in, and get the work done.
7th: What can people look out for at D1 in the forthcoming year?
Jay: We have commercial rock, heavy synth rock, hip-hop, and rap. We are about the music, not the politics or the money. The money will come as a result of the product and the concept. We want to give the people what they want, music and more new music. Please join the fun at www.d1music.com http://www.d1music.com, the only place on the Internet that brings the people from behind the scenes to get up and close and personal with some of their favourite recording artists in the D1 Friday Night Live Chats, in the D1 chat room.
Grace: Music, music and more music. New faces, new ideas, and new attitudes. You really never know what will happen�there are so many creative forces at D1 new ideas and concepts are being brought up all the time. Check the site out often and listen to D1 radio, you�ll be glad you did.
