Kidzworld caught up with Joey Signa, lead guitarist in the hot new band Paper Tongues, and told us all about the music industry, his six band mates and some of his most memorable moments as part of the group.
Kidzworld: How long have you been playing together, and how long did it take for you to break into the music industry?
Joey: As a complete, final band, we have been together for around three years. Aswan, myself and Jordan have been playing music together for about nine years and the other guys as well. So we have known each other musically for a long time. Our music caught the ears of some important people really early on so we had to move with it quickly. We have spent the majority of our time together touring, and it will be like that for a long time.
Kidzworld: Where did the name Paper Tongues come from? What does it mean?
Joey: Paper Tongues was a band in Charlotte that one of our producers, Niccolas, was the front man for and Devin and Cody were actually a part of. We decided we liked the name and wanted to keep it in the family so we got permission from Niccolas and used it.
Kidzworld: If you had to describe your sound in five words, what would they be?
Joey: Energetic. Powerful. Passionate. Soulful. Fun.
Kidzworld: What’s been your best/most memorable moment so far as Paper Tongues?
Joey: For me, it would have to be playing on the Jimmy Fallon late night show. It was such a great experience and i got to meet Jack McBrayer from 30Rock, one of my favorite shows. It was all in all, a blast!
Kidzworld: What’s one thing people don’t know about you guys?
Joey: We are seven completely different people that somehow get along and make music together. It makes for such a fun/interesting tour life for sure!
Kidzworld: What do some of the inspirations for your lyrics come from?
Joey: Aswan writes from a lot of different inspirations. I know a lot comes from the people he loves and the world he sees around him. Also, he LOVES movies, so that helps too. He says he likes to be able to see or watch the song.
Kidzworld: We noticed that you guys have toured all over the U.S. and Canada recently. What are some of your favorite cities that you’ve visited and why?
Joey: It's really hard to beat NYC. It is truly a wonderful place. If it’s your first time or you've been there for a long time, you can always find a new place to be that will somehow be better than last time. It’s a different world, on an island.
Kidzworld: What’s your favorite thing about touring?
Joey: Seeing all the different cities! I love being a new place every day.
Kidzworld: What is the hardest part of traveling and what do you miss the most from back home?
Joey: I definitely miss friends and family from home. It's always nice coming home to familiar faces that treat you like you never left.
Kidzworld: Who are some of your idols and most influential musical influences?
Joey: I love Radiohead, Foo Fighters, Jimmy Eat World...rock n roll in general! As far as guitar players I look up to, I love how Keith Urban and John Mayer mix "Modern" or "Contemporary" music with incredibly melodic playing.
Kidzworld: Besides music, what are some of your interests and passions?
Joey: I love business. Every city we go to, I try to think of a business I could start and if it would be prosperous. I also love huge groups of people on bike rides.
Kidzworld: What are your goals for the near future? What direction would you like to head toward as a band?
Joey: Our goal is for as many people as possible to hear our music. We want everyone to be a part of our future.
Kidzworld: Where can kids get your music?
Joey: Everywhere! It's only 6.99 on iTunes, but everyone needs a hard copy. Walmart and Best Buy are the places to go!
Related Stories
- Cool Careers: Making A Band
- Lauren Legato’s Favorite Things
- Camp Rock Extended Edition
- John Mayer Bio
