Fred Hostetler is throwing pretense to the wind.
After playing in bands since 8th grade and assisting many artists in one way or another, this long-lasting music man has finally ventured out as an independent singer songwriter, throwing pretense to the wind, and is now know by his real name, Fred Hostetler.
Vizions of Rock: How did the band come together and how long have you been together?
FRED HOSTETLER: I have been an Indie artist for about 18 months.
Vizions of Rock: Somebody once said about you; “See with great peripheral vision just what music can be”. What does music mean to you and what can music be?
FRED HOSTETLER: At first I thought the above statement was from my high school basketball coach who once complemented me for having good peripheral vision. But more to the point, I’ll never forget an overnight train ride in India where the rhythm of the rails was like a galloping slide guitar. On other side of my peripheral vision (or hearing) are the sounds of silence, a melody unto themselves. Listening and playing one’s part harmoniously anywhere in the range of vision and with 20-20 vision is a life enriching moment.
Vizions of Rock: How do you think music, (not the industry but music as an art form), has changed over the last 50 years?
FRED HOSTETLER: It became an art form controlled by corporate interests which have harmed it some ways and have introduced changes to formats that narrow the vision of music lovers. On the other hand, the technological aspect of creating music has made it possible for many more people to access the creative process even when limited by actual skill in playing an instrument.
Vizions of Rock: As a follow up, how has the MUSIC INDUSTRY changed over the last 50 years, and what would you change about it, if you could?
FRED HOSTETLER: With the decline of the CD and introduction of streaming, income for artists and especially independent artists, took a hit. Streaming pays very, very little, and instead of buying a 12 song album people buy only the songs they like on first listening. So instead of making $10 from an album sale, I make 99 cents.
Vizions of Rock: What inspired you to travel to India to perform voluntary services, and how did that experience change your music?
FRED HOSTETLER: The blues band Blue By Nature that I helped found had just broken up along with a marriage of nearly 20 years. It was time to journey inside. Now it is time bring out what’s inside and what was learned.
Vizions of Rock: You have worked with a lot of extremely established musicians and a Grammy winning producer over the years. Which one meant the most to you and why?
FRED HOSTETLER: Working with Jack Douglas was the most important industry- wise. I learned many things watching him. Sometimes he allowed me to sit and listen to sessions at the Record Plant NYC. That meant a lot to me. Performing live with the blues band Blue By Nature was a wonderful romp through the blues rock world. Karen Lawrence, Rick Dufay, and myself (the founding members of the band) were all signed by Jack Douglas one way or another. It was also a big thrill writing the song ‘Back on the Street’ with the legendary Jeff Beck and Karen Lawrence.
Vizions of Rock: Who are your influences?
FRED HOSTETLER: The masters of country blues, electric blues, Chicago blues, and British blues. Folk and bluegrass artists including Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, New Lost City Ramblers, Mike Seeger to name a few. Moving on from acoustic to electric Bob Dylan, Procol Harum, The Band, Beatles, Paul Butterfield and on and on.
Vizions of Rock: How does your song come together, where do you get your inspiration?
FRED HOSTETLER: It starts with a phrase, melody, or some bit of an existing song that catches my attention. Then comes expansion and always at its own pace. The first burst may give me a couple verses but no chorus (or vice versa) or just the music, or just the framework of the song. From there It is a gentle wrestling match to put together the pieces of the puzzle in the right order. The modern blues legend Walter Trout almost died when I was in India. When I returned and discovered how he had recovered it inspired me to write the single ‘New Man’ with him in mind. An open heart can ignite inspiration.
Vizions of Rock: What is the creative process like when writing your songs?
FRED HOSTETLER: Sleep on it, concentrate, jot down a column of ideas, rhymes on the side that may relate to what I am trying to say, all these things might help. Keep slogging away. It grows and changes as the music comes together, changes again with lyric, and on it goes until I am at last mixing down the final song.
Vizions of Rock: Do have any advice for up and coming musicians who want to follow in your footstep, aside from “Stay in school” and “Don’t quit your day job”?
FRED HOSTETLER: Beware of ‘branding’ yourself into a box. Everything is changing including yourself. Don’t be afraid to work outside of specific genres even though the industry is insisting on labeling you so the bots have something to work with. Somewhere in the midst of all that diversification might be an element that really inspires you. Musicians have to have some alternative means of support in nearly all cases. Alternatively, a joke I have heard from other musicians is to find a rich spouse who supports the artist’s journey. (I wouldn’t recommend this as it often ends badly.)
Vizions of Rock: Is there a message that you’re trying to communicate with your music?
FRED HOSTETLER: It is about awareness. Feeling the pulse of adventure, mystery, defeat, reset, and experiencing both the inner and outer journey.
Vizions of Rock: What do you like best about being a musician and what is the worst part about being a musician?
FRED HOSTETLER: The happiness and satisfaction that comes from playing and from giving others some small enjoyment that might help them along through their day. The worst part is the difficulties of making a living as a musician.
Vizions of Rock: Is there a tag line that describes FRED HOSTETLER as a musician.
FRED HOSTETLER: Listening and ‘feeling it’.
Vizions of Rock: Is there anything I did not ask you about, that you would want the world to know?
FRED HOSTETLER: Yes, trying to keep yourself in a positive state of mind is helpful to yourself and to everyone else. Try to do what you can locally to create an inclusive environment, so that on this beautiful rock we call Earth some kind of peace might develop. Music and the arts can help in this regard.
Vizions of Rock: What is on the horizon for the future?
FRED HOSTETLER: I am releasing a new single in the next few weeks called ‘Shelter from the Storm’. This is not a cover of the Bob Dylan song but one I felt compelled to write about those suffering from environmental issues around the world. By the end of March I am releasing an EP (maybe a CD). After that a Karen Lawrence and Blue By Nature album is in the works, My focus continues to be on writing, recording, and releasing my own music. It is my enjoyment. I play occasionally locally or for special events.
Vizions of Rock: Do you have a booking agent, who handles your touring?
FRED HOSTETLER: I’d say touring is unlikely at this time. It is very difficult for Indies to mount a tour on their own.
Vizions of Rock: How can we find your music?
FRED HOSTETLER: As I am with CDbaby, my music is available worldwide through nearly all streaming services. Physical copies can be purchased on line through Amazon, Apple Music or CDbaby’s website. My website fredsheartradio.com will soon have a merch page which will include music and where paperback copies of my book about adventures in India are available.
