10 Questions with ... Amos Lee

1. What got you interested in music?

Music got me interested in music! I had a few friends who had guitars and they taught me how to play ... and it made me feel incredible. The experience brought me into myself.

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

As a young kid I loved "Disco Duck" and Barry Manilow. As a teenager I loved The Beastie Boys, KRS 1 and almost any kind of R&B, but more than anything else, I just loved to listen to music on the radio.

3. What may surprise people the most about you?

My shoe size.

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

My greatest pleasure is in the writing.

5. What is the toughest part of your job?

The travel.

6. What has been your biggest career highlight so far?

Playing "Paradise" with John Prine -- on his guitar!

7. Tell us about working with Joey Burns and Calexico for new album, "Mission Bell."

It was great! They are super-positive and very supportive, while remaining very focused. They are always searching for new ideas and are very musical in everything they do. They are very open-minded musically, resulting in a very positive experience.

8. What new ideas did you try out with them?

It was mostly feel stuff: Bringing in new rhythms they were familiar with and also exploring minor chords. I also experimented with different instruments, like the vibes, electric guitar and an interesting slide guitar.

9. Is there a specific experience that inspired the first single, "Window Are Rolled Down"?

Yeah, of course ... there is a long story to that one. The lyrics lay it out pretty clearly.

10. If you were to leave the music business today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?

I'd work for an NBA organization, either in the front office putting together teams or as a talent scout.

What are your favorite charitable or humanitarian causes?

There are several: Musicians on Call; Music & Mentorship (Philadelphia); supporting local farms; and doing whatever I can for human rights organizations.

Last non-industry job:

Bartender (Tin Angel/Philadelphia)

First record ever purchased:

"He's The DJ, I'm The Rapper" DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

First concert you saw:

Allman Brothers

Favorite band of all-time:

Boyz II Men