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Among his influences, singer/songwriter Justin Lamoureux lists beards, not showering for days, camping in bear country and open windows. His one-man band Midwest Dilemma is a mix of indie, folk, country, rock and alternative that has been compared to Counting Crowns, Bright Eyes and Jeff Buckley. Lamoureux says that he finds inspiration for songs in everything from the weather and relationships to geography and personal experiences. Lamoureux formed Midwest Dilemma in 2002 and has since toured throughout the country, playing with artists such as Jesse Malin, Kathleen Edwards, Kid Dakota and country legend, Malcolm Holcombe. Originally from Sioux City, Iowa, Lamoureux talks about how he got started, his love of all types of music and
Midwest Dilemma
why he loves what he does.
Q. If you had to say your band sounded like anyone, who would it be?
A. Counting Crows, Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen and I have been getting Bright Eyes a lot lately.I just think that's because I am from Omaha and people relate the two.I have heard people say Iron and Wine,Jeff Buckley and Howie Day — not sure how people get their comparisons.I was told once that I have a Midwest sound but I still don't know what that means or what the Midwest sound is, but that's all right with me.
Q. Why did you choose this type of music?
A. I grew up listening to artists and bands such as Marshall Tucker Band, Pure Prairie League, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Cat Stevens and lots of Southern Rock. My dad had an amazing selection of records growing up. Early on, I seemed to veer off the path of the heartfelt-folksy type of music and more towards heavier rock and punk while in middle school. I had a heavy metal band back then, The Broken Flower Pots On Acid. We played the eighth grade talent show and pretty much rocked like the 15-year-olds that we were. In high school, I was still into punk rock but also got into hair metal and some hard-core rap. I loved power ballads. However, I really liked the underground punk music. Sioux City had a great underground music community that was always fed by angry
teens and the need for lots of make up and fishnets. When I moved to Omaha and started working for a local music store, I was turned on to jazz. Now being a guitar player, this was like blues with more rules that you can break. I fell in love and it was all jazz all the time. Now I really prefer the Alt-Country thing, which back in the '70s was Southern Rock or Americana. I have found a blend of the Indie sound and the old folksy stuff my dad listened to.
Q. Where did the name of your band come from?
A. It was something that best fit my situation of living in the Midwest. I feel alone a lot here, but being alone can be inspiring. I realized how much I take for granted living among all the cornfields and farmland; it's actually pretty neat if you have never seen it before. This is where my heart is, even though sometime I want to go far away.
Q. What is one thing your fans don't know about you (as a band)?
A. I really don't like using a pic while playing guitar.
Q. What is something random, people in general, don't know about you?
A. I don't have any official cavities and I still have some baby teeth.
Q. What is one thing you would want a potential fan to know about you?
A. I sing with just about everything I've got, sometimes vocally and sometimes lyrically. I don't make up my songs; these are all real bits from my life or experiences, or even situations about friends, family and the weather.
Q. What is the worst thing that has happened to you during a show?
A. The most obvious would be breaking a string. That is the worst. But when you play outside you have bugs flying and the weather. It started pouring on me as I was playing my last song of a two-hour set in Wichita at The Brickyard.
Q. What is the most random place you have ever played?
A. In San Francisco. I played at a place called The Brainwash Laundromat & Cafe. They literally did my laundry for me while I played for the people in the cafe. I really want to play there again.
Q. What is your favorite part of playing live?
A. I really enjoy giving a part of my life and experience to others.I like the feeling of putting myself out there to new people and I like the thrill of not knowing if people are going to like you or not.Either way,it's still a rush.
- Lindsey Ramsey
Midwest Dilemma will play September 28 at Harbor Lights, 1031 Massachusetts St.
Photo courtesy of Moxie Public Relations