Photo: Courtesy of patricksieben.com
Patrick Sieben is in an incredibly unique position as a musician. He is a successful, award-winning, steadily-working singer/songwriter who’s played on big stages around the world, yet he is not a household name. Emphasizing the past, he is an Emmy winner, opened for Bon Jovi on “The Circle” tour (as part of Select Three), and has been a part of plenty of national TV commercials. Currently, Patrick plays at the Aria Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas – far from his native Minnesota — more days of the week than not, yet still manages to fit in regular gigs around the world.
As one of the big non-Vegas gigs, Patrick Sieben will be opening for Toto and Yes at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on August 11th. Under The Neon Light, his latest album, was largely produced by Wally Gagel (Maroon 5, Muse) and its first single, “Sunshine,” got some radio play from top U.K. station Absolute Radio 105.8FM. Patrick answered some questions for Downtown via e-mail.
Photo: Courtesy of patricksieben.com
Patrick, what do you wish more people knew about you?
Patrick Sieben: I’d like more people to know I exist! I’d like to give them an experience, whether that be listening to my record or seeing a live show. I want them to know that music can still be real, live, and authentic. I know my music isn’t right for everyone, but I like to think it’s got a vibe that people enjoy.
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t yet heard it?
P: I’m a huge “’90s rock” fan. It’s a genre where bands still ruled the airwaves. Guitars, real drums, bass…I’m definitely not trying to live in the past, but I think the ’90s had the right idea. Grab some instruments, call up your buddies and play music. It’s important to me that everything feels naturally when my band plays together. I like a nice melody, simple progressions, and rhythms that groove.
If at all, how did winning an Emmy change your life?
P: Winning an Emmy was an amazing thrill, but I still have to clean the bathroom when my girl tells me it’s dirty… It’s always nice to get recognition for your work, and it was great for my long-time fans to get a part of it. Awards are just a nice side effect of following your vision.
How did you first get involved with performing for the military?
P: I’m really close with my family back where I grew up in Minnesota. My uncle Tex has been in the military all his life, so I had joined him on some visits to bases and such. He knew of a group called “Serving Our Troops,” which is a group of businesses that help connect families of deployed soldiers and try to give those soldiers a sense of home while they’re away. I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of it, and before I knew it we were on a plane to the Middle East! I know I’m just a guy with a guitar in a desert full of guns and ammo, but it’s nice to escape the mayhem for a song or two.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, you currently perform full-time in Vegas at the Aria. What do you think the biggest misconception is about performers who do Vegas residencies?
P: I have a residency, but every night is very different. I don’t make setlists, I play what feels right in the moment and my band follows. We feed off the crowd for everything! I think people see Vegas as being very contrived, and much of it is. But it also presents an opportunity to be different. There is an endless flow of people in Vegas. Every night I have fans in from California, New York, Florida, China, U.K., etc. It’s awesome to hit the road and instantly see fans that I recognize in cities I’ve never been to before.
For your upcoming arena gigs with Toto and Yes, what is to be expected?
P: Real, raw and exposed. No gimmicks, no tricks, just an acoustic guitar and a microphone. If you’ve never seen me play before, this is a perfect time to see me in my most unadulterated form. I’ll be playing broken-down versions of songs off of my new record, Under the Neon Light, as well as a couple of my favorites.
Once the shows with Toto and Yes are over with, what’s ahead for you in the rest of 2015?
P: Idle hands are no good… I can’t go more than a couple days without playing music. I’ll be back at my residency in Vegas between gigs, with much more to come outside of Vegas. Keep up with me online [at www.patricksieben.com]!
Finally, Patrick, any last words for the kids?
P: Play. Just F’ing play and don’t care who likes it. If you follow your vision and don’t let anything stop you, you will find your space.
Check out his video here for song, “End of the World”
-by Darren Paltrowitz
