10 Questions with ... Greg Laswell

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Started producing records for other artists full-time about seven years ago. Recorded and produced my first solo record to be released by a label called "Through Toledo" in 2006. "Take a Bow" is my newest release.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Producer/songwriter Greg Laswell returns with his third full-length release for Vanguard, "Take a Bow." The album features 12 original compositions including a new version of the song "Off I Go," which was featured in the 2009 season finale of Grey's Anatomy (one of over six placements he's had on this show alone), and his new single, "Take Everything," which features vocals by Ingrid Michaelson.

1. What got you interested in pursuing a career in the music business?

It always sounds ridiculous when people say stuff like, "I never had a choice." It makes me want to slap them across the face. That being said, I never planned on doing anything else.

2. Who were your favorite bands to listen to when you were a kid?

My mom raised me on the Beatles, so I was lucky there. I liked all the early U2, Billy Idol, the Cult, TSOL. "Appetite for Destruction" blew my little high school mind.

3. How do you get your greatest pleasure in making music?

Recording.

4. What is the toughest part of your job?

Morning radio.

5. Does your new album, "Take a Bow," complete your "trilogy of heartbreak and redemption"?

I don't know. If it does, it certainly wasn't on purpose. People love trilogies, don't they?

6. You retreated to a cabin near Flagstaff, AZ, to write the songs for the new album. Tell us about that experience.

I loaded my dog and my recording studio into a moving truck and moved into a cabin in Mountainaire, AZ for about six months. It was the longest time I have spent alone in my entire life. I didn't really think about that part going into it. I got lonely at times, but I will never forget it. A few songs came out that I don't think would have otherwise.

7. Who did you work with in the studio to record the new album? Guests included in the project?

I recorded and produced everything again, like I always do. I can be quite a control freak; however, this record has the most guests on it than anything else I have ever done -- partially because I was lonely and tricked people to come out and see me. Ingrid Michaelson and Cary Brothers both sang harmonies on a few songs. Brian Wright played electric guitar and plays one of my favorite guitar lines of the record at the end of "Let It Ride." Brandon Walters, who recorded on my last record, "Three Flights from Alto Nido," played acoustic and electric guitar on a few songs. Jerry Roe played real drums: on all my other records and EPs I programmed the drums in real-time using drum sampled hits. Jerry definitely helps separate this record from the others in that way. Daniel Rhine played electric and upright bass.

8. What has been your biggest career highlight?

Being asked to write a song for the season finale of "Grey's Anatomy" was pretty cool. Also selling out the Troubadour for the first time -- that feeling will be hard to repeat.

9. You have enjoyed a tremendous amount of success getting your songs exposed via TV and other avenues, but do you think that radio is still the best means of exposure?

Probably. To be honest, I don't listen to radio. It annoys me for the most part -- it always has. Music kind of annoys me, too. I much rather listen to stand-up comedians on long drives.

10. What may surprise people the most about you?

I like to listen to Slipknot. I also like to fish.

What is your favorite charitable or humanitarian cause?

Rice and Beans Foundation -- www.riceandbeansfoundation.org.

Last Non-Industry Job:

Professional Sound and Music store

First Record Ever Purchased:

U2's "Joshua Tree"

First Concert You Saw:

Chicago with my parents (adding "with my parents" to that makes me feel better)

Favorite Band Of All-Time:

The Beatles