artist: Jason Consolacion - www.jasonconsolacion.com

Describe your music & vision:
My music consists of rock with heavy jazz and blues influences.  Lyrically, I write about relationships and life as part of the digital generation. If there was a consistent theme in my music, I'd say it would be: "Life is like a guitar. If the strings aren't in tune, it just doesn't sound right."  My vision is to be able to say to people, "It's okay. Don't worry. There still is GOOD music left to be made. Behind the boy bands, the half-naked teaser teens and the pitiful excuses for rappers, there are musicians who still care about their art. Everything's gonna be alright.

"What makes you unique as an artist?:
I utilize my knowledge in theory and jazz and my ability to play and use chords that most rock artists wouldn't use. Of course, I'm not the FIRST person to do this, but I'm part of a rare breed anyway.What is your favorite thing about your music?:
I take great pride in being the "musician's musician."  Every time I've played my stuff for or with other musicians, they tend to enjoy it more than non-musicians. That's obviously not a good thing to aim for, but it's nice to feel intellectual and appreciated among your peers - especially jazz guys.What do you want people to come away with when they see you or listen to your music?:
When they watch me play, I want them to walk away experiencing a good time and feeling good about life in general. I also want them to see how much I enjoy playing music ... that I enjoyed making them sing, dance, and most of all, smile. I love seeing people's reaction to my music.  When they listen to my music, I want them to hate me for getting a good song in their heads. I want them to love me for saying something that they can connect with. And I want them to know that whether they liked or love what they heard, I'm always getting better and I'm always aiming to please.  The music is as much for me as it is for them. I use it for therapeutic reasons. I want them to use it for entertainment and/or meditation. Either way, I just want them to feel like they've heard something of substance for a change.

What brought you to ITR/choosing us over other options:
In all honesty, ITR was my first and only option as far as recording goes. It was my first opportunity to make something happen with my music, so I jumped all over it. I hope the producer is happy that I did.

How would you describe your experience w/ITR:
I've learned so much. I've been pushed to write better both lyrically and musically. Working with MD is truly like working with a mentor. He doesn't slam your stuff - even if it downright sucks. He only suggests ways to make it better. In other words, he won't set you off on a path that leads to a brick wall. Instead, he'll set you off an a path with so many forks in the road, you'll have no choice but to keep going until you find what it is you're looking for. For some, that doesn't work. But I like the options. It means I can take my music wherever I want.

What has been your favorite thing about working w/ITR:
It's brought me back to my music. Before I stepped into ITR for the first time, my life was dominated by a job I hated and a path destined for mediocrity. But the first time I played my stuff for MD and he expressed interest in it, I knew that it was time re-commit myself to what I knew - and what I've always known - that I'm best at. You see, not only has working with ITR been a learning experience musically, but it triggered a real turning point in my life. I was either going to spend years kissing ass while working the ranks in the journalism world, or I was going to return to music, my first love, and enjoy doing it in the process. So in essence, working with MD, a true musical and inspirational mentor, has been my favorite thing about working with ITR.

Did ITR exceed your expectations?:
Well, in many ways there were no expectations. I came into this not knowing what to expect and enjoying every minute of it so far. But if this had to be a yes or no question, I'd say yes because not only has MD been fun and easy to work with, but he's turned something that started out as a Chevy and he's turned it into a Mercedes.

General comments:
I just wanna thank MD for giving me to opportunity to realize my lifelong dream. My debut gig as a solo artist was back on April 28. And I remember going over to my friend's apartment the night before, getting nervous for the first time in my life. I kept on saying "(April 28) is either the start of something huge or the start of something that I'm going to invest a lot of time and money in before realizing that it's not the right thing to do." But my friend just reminded me that I've already taken that first step towards a music career. I'm already in the game. I'm recording an album. I'm working with a producer. Gigs are just another stepping stone.  So when it comes down to it, if it weren't for MD, I would not have the confidence to do what I'm doing. Sharing my music with a producer - a musician - is one thing. But having the guts to share it with others is another. And MD has allowed me to feel okay with that.  George Martin. Quincy Jones. MD Thompson. It's all the same.