DA: What inspires you and who are some of your creative influences?
 
JD: The simple blessing of unlimited creativity in my blood is my biggest inspiration. My earliest influences are Ric Ocasek, Brian Wilson, Jim Morrison, Led Zeppelin, The Cure, The Clash, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran Janes Addiction Parliament/Funkadelic, and the Chili Peppers. The list can go on. Growing up, music was my greatest soother. I used lay in bed with the radio next to my ear, mesmerized by the harmonies of The Beach Boys or an incredible Jimmy Page guitar solo.
 
DA: How did you create the unique sound of Human Brother?,
 
JD: By just plugging my instruments in a letting the magic happen. I don’t overthink every move when I’m writing. If I do, it gets stressful, its no longer a liberating experience. Then my ideas get cloudy. I like to just release myself to the moment and let my feelings be speak through the music,  just swimming in the juices. Hey there is my next album title: “Swimming In Juices.”
 
DA: Well, that was an in the moment idea right there; sounds very provocative.
 
JD: Well maybe that’s what I meant by it then, the next songs may be sensual. We play as we go.
 
DA: There is a very lush landscape of styles in the production of Human Brother. Did you come up with ideas randomly or did you have an idea of music genres you wanted to mix together before recording?
 
JD: I don’t believe anything is totally random. Of course a lifetime of playing funk and rock music, as well delving into industrial and electronic music over the past decade was something ingrained in the map of my musical heart. Everything that I’ve come across musically in my life was meant to be utilized.  At the same time, I sat down and began writing the record I had nothing but an open mind, a clear head and a sense of silent determination to make something pure from the depths of my being.
 
DA: You wrote, recorded, and mixed all the songs for Human Brother alone. Do you prefer working solo and whether yes or no, why?
 
JD: Yes, I must admit that after years of trying to get on the same page creatively with other artists, I feel completely liberated working alone. The best feeling in the world is being able to see your vision and bring it to life with no outside opinions or suggestions. All artists have their level of insecurity and vulnerability, and let’s face it, we’re super sensitive. When other people put in their two cents, it causes us to second guess ourselves. Then the purity of your work can be compromised and tainted. It can, and has in the past affected my decisions. With that the innocence and sincerity in what I am creating is tainted or altogether lost. Others however love collaborating, and that works for them. That’s great, whatever works.
 
DA: Your lyrics cover a variety of possible themes? What were you thinking and feeling when writing? What was going on in your life at the time?
 
JD: I wrote this record as a tribute to one of the most amazing artists and human beings to influence my life in countless ways. Her name is Carole Jean Shultz and she is my mom. When she was alive, she always encouraged me to sing. Before I only wrote and produced for other artists, played drums with other bands, and lead guitar in my bands. My Human Brother record is the first time I’m singing all the lead vocals. When she passed, I wanted and needed to do something beautiful for her, in her honor. The best way I knew how is through music, and to use my own voice this time. All I hope for is that she can somehow and someway hear my gift to her.
 
DA: Tell us about your background in music.
 
JD: I started out as a drummer at the age of around 9. Then I picked up guitar at 15, and later bass and keyboards. I never looked back. At 20 was when I started producing and writing songs for myself and other artists. I also decided to focus on becoming a lead guitarist, which took years of hard work and many hours of dedication. After working in studios several years as a composer and producer, I decided to be self sufficient in the recording process. So I set up my own home studio started recording and mixing myself.
 
DA: You make it sound so simple. How was the learning curve?
 
JD: Oh yeah, well there was a lot of frustration at first. Hundreds and hundreds of hours spent trying to figure out the programs, the tricks of the clicks, and my new best friend became the help button. Very little sleep, dark eye circles. I was a man obsessed. But let me tell you its worth it. Once again, nothing feels so liberating as knowing you can make your own music without needing anyone. The investment in a home studio, I highly recommend it. That is if you’re willing to do the sleepless nights too.
 
DA: You are also a professional fine artist for many years. When you paint and make music, do you consider yourself the kind of artist who maps out all the details beforehand, or are you more spontaneous and whimsical?
 
JD: Definitely spontaneous and whimsical when it comes to writing, recording, and painting. It just comes so easy to me. The energy of the moment flows out like water and I don’t plan anything. It’s all subconscious expression. I think the creative process is more enjoyable that way. You can look at the work later pleasantly surprised and think, “Wow, there’s some pretty trippy or intense or even nutty things, going on deep inside there.”
 
DA: You come from a family of professional artists/painters. What was it like growing up?
 
JD: It’s like a small miracle. My parents, Jack and Carol, my brother Adam and sister Rachel, we’ve all made a comfortable living with our art. I know my parents being extremely supportive with anything we wanted to try artistically has a lot to do with that. It built our confidence, which is key for anything you want to do in life. Growing up in a household of artists, well of course it was fun. My dad especially is a great comedian and prankster and my mom, she was the kind of artist who gave new meaning to the term creative genius. We all learned to create through her, and what she passed on is the most priceless gift I will ever have. It was definitely my fate to create!
 
DA: How has it affected you as an artist?
 
JD: I also never realized how lucky we were to be allowed the freedom to experience life in such an open minded environment. Not many kids grow up that way. How it affected me shows in my work. My art feels free and expressive to me. I would say primal too, I totally tap into the inner cave man.
 
DA: Interesting. Would you say your inner cave man is more Fred Flinstone or Jack Black in Year One?
 
JD: Neither. I’d say more like the guys in Quest For Fire.
 
DA: Wow, that is real deal primitive.
 
JD: That’s me the real deal.
 
DA: Was it competitive, between family members?
 
JD: Absolutely no competition in our family. We all have our own thing that makes us very different. We were all in such awe of each other’s abilities. All it did was add to the inspiration. I know how lucky I am to say that. That’s usually not the case between siblings.
 
DA: What are some of your greatest accomplishments as an artist?
 
JD: Winning an LA Music Award for a song called “Look Like Angels.” I co-wrote and produced that for Girl Without Fear. Raising almost $50,000.00 for the Grammy’s and Musicares Foundation, is up there too. DJ Rodney on the Roq playing my music on KROQ and having a song in regular rotation on KCRW. It was pretty sweet when my band first band opened up for Soundgarden and Rage Against the Machine and also Madonna hiring my band Trulio Disgracias to play her birthday party. I got to jam side by side with George Clinton that night.
 
DA: Well that’s quite a few accomplishments. Wow. You managed to please Madonna on her birthday, I’d say that’s a small miracle.
 
JD: Nah, Madonna was a walk in the park, compared to measuring up onstage with members of P-Funk and Fishbone. You don’t know pressure until world class funk musicians are staring you down from backstage, daring you to screw up. So they could literally beat your ass. Playing with them on a regular basis took all my chops. And gave me more chops!  That’s important. Jamming with musicians who will challenge your skill and take you up a notch.
 
DA: Can you share some of the best moments, events, or special honors in your life regarding both your music and your paintings?
 
JD: When I opened for Public Enemy with my band Trulio Disgracias at USC and graced the cover of the LA Times Sunday Calendar section the next morning. I am currently working with Guitar Center and The Butterfly Effect Foundation. I am the featured artist on their website and we are offering 175 limited edition prints along with the original painting “Pop Goes The Butterfly” to be auctioned off at a major music event coming soon.
 
DA: What is on the agenda for your art and music the rest of the year? Where can we see and hear everything?
 
JD: I am now getting my record label Deep Pocket Records in full throttle to release my new solo album “Vision Days On The Life Ride.”  We are brainstorming independent marketing strategies, especially for the web. That’s where music lives these days, when you’re not playing a live show. Continuing to sell my art privately and through galleries. Continue to raise money and awareness for various charity foundations with the proceeds from my art. You can find my music at www.humanbrother.com and my art at www.jdshultz.com. The Girl Without Fear site is being re-worked right now, but all the  tracks I co-wrote and produced can be streamed all over the web where the album is sold,like iTunes, Amazon, and CDbaby.com. Also MySpace and Facebook, of course. Of course!

To contact Demetria Alexander email: stingheart@gmail.com
Or visit: http://www.girlwithoutfear.com