How did it feel winning First Place in the International Talent Search for CNN?
JA: It felt really great to be praised and supported by all my peers at work. In a way, that contest jump started my career and gave me my first bit of exposure on a national level. WMG: I see a lot of upcoming musicians going the same path as yours, what can you offer that will differ you from those other artists? JA: A tough question. I like to think that I can offer songs and music that is different than others, but lets face it, there is no such thing as completely original material. I think I’m unique in that I can be poetic lyrically, and still create “Pop” melodies that people will enjoy, and remember. My lyrical content will sometimes be different too. Sure, I have plenty of songs about love and hurt, but occassionally, I’ll write about something completely off the wall like “Orange Soda” or “Apple Trees and Honey Bees” or “Drug Store Connection”. I like to think I have a strong sense for melody and try to keep my writing fresh by experimenting and not using the same song struc
