Written by Ian Blechschmidt

Arthur Yoria is not interested in cliches. Maybe that's why his album, I'll Be Here Awake, is a little different for a solo artist, despite being totally accessible. Yoria talked with Indiesoundz about uniqueness, CBGB's, and evil geniuses (genii? Whatever).

You played CBGB's — that's got to be any rock fan's dream. What was it like?

Nostalgic; I played in front of some old friends (unfortunately, JUST those old friends). It was an early time slot. I had a much better show in Brooklyn the next night at a shitty little club called, Rock Star Bar. Funny thing, it’s exciting to get a show at one of those well known venues like CB’s, Sin-e’ or the Knitting Factory but in most cases, you’re probably better off getting a later time slot at the dive down the street in terms of getting paid, selling merch and having a good time.

Your Indiesoundz profile says that you set yourself apart from other indie artists with your particular style; is this something you do consciously?

Yes. I don’t consider myself an “eccentric” by any means but I do hate to perpetuate clichés. It seems like a lot of solo artists (not all of them) put out mostly acoustic, mid-tempo and very lush records. Why not put out a lean energetic rock record?

Aside from the obvious implications to your marketability, why is that important to you?

Oh, just trying to make records that I won’t mind listening to when I’m old, bitter and broke.

A lot of new artists are breaking into the scene before they even leave high school — but you didn't get into it until you were in university. Do you think being a "late starter" has affected how you approach music?

To my benefit, I never went through a “guitar hero” phase in my playing which I probably would have gone through had I started at a younger age. I picked up the guitar strictly to write songs and I’d like to think that I’ve been pretty efficient and tasteful from the get go. But then you have guys like, Ben Kweller or Sondre Lerche who put out great records while they were still in grade-school or whatever.

Do you think it's affected how you've been received as an artist?

People assume that I’m a kid and I’ve been getting more and more high school folks showing up to the gigs so I don’t think so. And it’s great to be able to pass a New Edition song off as your own.

You've been getting some play lately on various TV shows like the O.C. and Camp Jim — how important has that exposure been for you?

Yeah, I’ve made several new fans as a result of those placements. It’s great that all of those programs are into showcasing artists that aren’t on a major label. It’s also another source of income for songwriters.

Your album has been described as a “manifesto” — can you elaborate on that?

Manifesto? Hmm…. My PR person or whomever went overboard, perhaps.

I suppose that I’m stating my intentions to exercise quality control for the duration of my career. I don’t know? “manifesto” sure makes me sound relevant though, doesn’t it?

With that in mind, many people who have “manifestos” are evil geniuses; if you could be any evil genius (assuming you’re not one already), which evil genius would you be?

Wow, good one.

Man, I have this little cat that watches the big clock in our apartment when it’s getting close to feeding time. And the little bastard also waits for his brother to fall asleep then will go over and bite him on the testicles. He’s an evil genius. I would be him, I think.

Anything you’d like to add (e.g., upcoming shows, exciting news, etc.)?

Yes, I just finished an 5-song EP of songs in Spanish. Stay tuned for a release date.

Thank you indiesoundz!