Postmark Twain

Posted Dec 15, 2007, by Mary Dean.


Hi! Thanks for doing this interview with Big Smile Magazine. Let's start this off. =]

Who are you and what do you play in Postmark Twain?
My name is Jim Gaven and I co-write the songs with Dave. I play acoustic guitar and I sing!!

How did you form together?
Dave came to see one of my solo project's performances in December of 2005. After a captivating performance, he asked me after the show if I wanted to write with him. I said yes, and the rest is history!

How did you come up with the name "Postmark Twain?"
The name is a play off of the author Mark Twain. He wrote some timeless stories and we really wanted to incorporate his name or something that had to do with him in our band name. Essentially we want to write great, timeless stories through song, and put our stamp or 'mark' in time, if you will. It just so happens to be that I used to live on Mark Twain Drive in our home town as well. For all these reasons, it made it easy to choose Postmark Twain.

What made you decided to get into music?
When I was 16 years old my friend started playing guitar and I wanted to be in a band with him and learn how to play guitar. I picked up my dad's old acoustic and started teaching myself how to play.

When writing songs, who does most of writing? Or is it done equally?
Dave and I have written most of our songs together. Dave does his own writing, and I do my own writing on my own for us as well as my solo project. It's definitely done equally for us.

What do you consider inspiration?
Inspiration can and has come from many things, but lately it's been coming from the environment around me -- meaning the weather. I've been thriving off of a cold brisk evening, or watching the sunset. Nature is something that will always be there, and I have been able to use it to my advantage when writing.

Any future tour or album plans?
Yes. We actually just finished recording another 5 song EP that we will be getting out there early in 2008. We're super psyched about it, and can't wait for everyone to hear it!!

What would you say to bands just starting to form together?
I would say that you should always keep in mind why you are doing what you're doing. Being able to write and perform music is a gift and should always be kept close to your heart. You should be doing everything you are in music because you love it, not because it's the latest trend.

If you could play with any musician(s) alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Wow. That is a tough question. I would say that I would definitely love to play alongside Chris Carabba (he is amazing and his vocal abilities/songwriting are both tremendous), the Goo Goo Dolls, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, Ray Charles, Billy Joel, Edwin McCain -- man, this list could go on forever.... I can't even begin to mention EVERYONE I would love to play with. All of these artists are amazing at what they do, and it would be such an honor to have a half hour to jam/hang out with any of them just to feed off of their creativity.

Explain the feeling you get up on stage.
I love performing. I used to get really really nervous when going on stage because it used to be just me and my guitar for a good 4 years. But ever since I started writing with Dave I've been a lot more comfortable going up on stage and performing. I just feel so free and alive when I'm on stage singing and playing something that I wrote. I feel like nothing else matters in the world at that point other than the music, and that nothing can go wrong. It's the greatest feeling in the world when 4 different instruments come together to form one solid unit. I'm so blessed to be surrounded by Dave, Matt (lead guitar) and Paul (drums). They are amazing musicians and amazing people.

How important are your fans to you?
Fans mean the world to me. I make it a point to respond to every email/myspace message/Instant Message/Snail Mail that I receive from anyone. Without our friends and fans we wouldn't be able to get to do what we love the way we are now. They are all so supportive, and that helps us keep pushing ourselves to strive for excellence. With that being said, if you ever want to talk about anything please feel free to email me at gavenjam@yahoo.com, myspace message me on my personal page at www.myspace.com/jimgaven, or IM me at dashpx9.

Where can people find your music?
They can find our band's music at www.myspace.com/postmarktwain and www.purevolume.com/postmarktwain. Or just go to www.postmarktwain.com and there should be a place to click to get to both of the aforementioned sites. We're also up on ITUNES!! If you have the urge to check out my solo project's music you can do so by going to www.myspace.com/jimgaven.

Why should people listen to you that haven't heard of you before?
We've been told that our music is 'refreshing.' I like to think that our music is definitely a positive influence on a world and industry that so desperately needs one. There is just so much energy and fun that goes into our songwriting and performing. I guarantee you [that] if you come out to one of our shows you'll leave with a huge smile on your face.

If you could describe your music, how would you?
I would say it's like a positive, feel-good, pop-rock explosion.

What do you think about Big Smile Magazine?
To be honest, I don't really know that much about Big Smile Magazine. All I know is that you are awesome for wanting to interview us, and that I will be sure to tell people about the magazine.

Any last words?
Yeah. Dream BIG. And, also, we all have the ability to make a positive difference in this world, so let's make it happen!!!! Thanks so much for doing this interview! Thank YOU!!! Peace. Love. Big Smiles!

This article edited by The Bear (is the Editor)