CJ Sorg - Proud to be your average idiot
Interview by: Traci Etchison
City Scene Magazine, March 2003
While surfing the internet I came across CJ Sorg's website, idiotboyINDUSTRIES.com. Among family pictures and "idiot art" (as he calls it) I found several demo recordings of songs he has written. The songs are unique and interesting enough to find a solid home on this writer's MP3 player. I talked with him recently to find out more about this self-proclaimed idiot.
Where did you grow up?
I lived in the suburbs of Chicago growing up.
Where's home now?
Well, right now this second it's Los Angeles, but I'm in the process of relocating to Nashville, TN.
Why Nashville?
My wife and I have family there, and my son, George, should see his grandparents more often.
What got you interested in music?
My mom insisted that I learned an instrument. She started me off on trumpet lessons, but that was horribly awkward for me. Then I took piano lessons for about 5 years, but didn't progress very far. It wasn't until I had quit taking lessons that I started putting the pieces together and it became something I wanted to do.
What is idiotboy Industries?
Once upon a time I was a business major at a community college. We were doing a class project and needed a name for a company, so I suggested "idiotboy Industries" and they said, "OK, anyone else got any suggestions?" So, I decided to use it for myself - I've gotten attached to it and can find identity in it.
You've got an iPod - What's on it?
I've got tons of stuff on here. Let's see... Barenaked Ladies, I think I've got just about everything they have ever recorded on here, I'm a big fan of the Ladies. Dave Matthews, John Mayer, Keller Williams, Lisa Loeb - I really love her stuff. I listen to a lot of "singer-songwriter" types. I don't have a lot of room for MP3's on it because of all the porn.
Does your wife know about all that porn?
Well, I guess she certainly does now. I don't think she would have a big problem with it. Except for maybe the ones with donkeys in them.
What do you do for a living?
I've been a technician for a recording studio in Hollywood for the past five years, but that will obviously change when I move to Nashville. So far, I haven't got anything lined up. Know anyone in Nashville?
I have an uncle that lives in Franklin, but he's a plumber.
Well, being a plumber is a hefty step up from being a gas station attendant - which is probably what I'll end up doing.
No plans for becoming a wealthy rock-star?
I don't think they're hiring.
Have you worked with any big names?
Not directly. As a studio tech my job is, hopefully, done before anyone shows up for the session. Most of my interaction with "big stars" is pointing out where the bathroom is.
Whom have you "pointed to the potty"?
Madonna, Brittney Spears, N'Sync, Mariah Carey, Liz Phair, Leann Rimes - I've shown a lot of #1 artists where they can go #2.
Do you have any of their autographs?
I've only gotten one autograph while working at the studio, and that was from "Weird Al" Yankovic. He remains the coolest, most organized, and professional person I've ever met in the universe. He gave me his autograph without me even asking when the assistant for his session told him I had all his albums - which I do - even the box set.
What do you want to accomplish with your songs?
I don't really have any agenda. It was a big step for me to even put them up on my website. I still feel uneasy about it at times. The songs obviously mean something to me, but I find it difficult to believe they would mean anything to anyone else. My core audience is 30-something guys who are married with kids and are me.
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REVIEWS!
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LiziN
Oh, wow, I love your songs sooo much!
I will be occupied for a full hour now d/ling all the songs (it's hard to keep my attention...)
Thanks for posting that link!
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Naked Head
Hey ! I know I posted something like this over on bnlmusic.com, but I just love your songs ! I listen to it so much now that I'm starting to confuse my friends since I usually listen to BNL ! haha, but I'm gettin everyone into them too !! Keep up the good work ! Your songs are great & good job on the BNL covers !!
~ Maybe Katie ~
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tish
idiotboy!
Hola!
your site is lovely, the pics are great and the music is wonderful!
i'll be back to visit the site. yay.
i plan on creating some Idiotboy art soon for you.
welcome to the bnl.net world of silly madness!
with cheese,
the tish
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frahmgl
Well idiotboy...you're no Ed Robertson in "when I fall"...and you definately can't compete with the rendition I do of it in the shower (ok so I'm the only one that thinks that!) but I must say I'm impressed. Very impressed with your guitar skill too...I look foreward to listening to a couple of those catchy titles!
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The_Trout
Hey, very nice, dude! I was always a sucker for the "unplugged" sound.
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BNL Zach
i am sooo listening...
right now... i am sitting here, listening to the two cover songs... i like. really, box set is pretty good, dosent beat the original... but is a pretty good cover. what i really like is when i fall... is a really good version... much props on that one... you have a great voice.... no joke... very much talent i see here.
~Zac
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BNL Rocks My World
Re: Circle in Square / BNL Covers
Hey! I love the "Play this at my Funeral" song! I'm downloading the rest now and I just want to say great job! Keep up the good work its awesome ! The BNL covers aren't bad either ! GREAT JOB!!
~ Maybe Katie ~
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BNL Rocks My World
Re: Circle in Square / BNL Covers
WOW!!!!!!! I love all the songs on your album!! haha it's so0o0o0 great !!!!!! good job! i love it! hey everyone~ listen to Circle in Square it's amazing ! it's so great! nice nice nice job!
~ Maybe Katie ~
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.:Drew
Well I was browsing through my forums, as I do a lot of now a days. So I was just hitting up the BNL forum when I come across some covers of When I Fall and Box Set . I check them out. Pretty good. Then I find this guy's demo disk Circle in Square, and I've been listening to it ever since. Check CJ Sorg out.
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kingdavera
Nice site.
And I like the WIF cover. Not bad at all
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Pavlav
i have tried to get onto your web site to hear your music and the bnl covers but my pc will not let me access it.
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sosumi
HEY! We made the liner notes! WOOHOO! Idiotboy's goin bigtime and taking us with him. Congrats on the demo, man. As well as the big move.
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BoyHowdy
I was listening to your stuff and theres nothing for you to be afraid of- at all. When I get home tonight Ill put the songs into a descent system and listen again. But its solid stuff and Im sure you will do well. But most of all your going to have a blast! I believe in folloing your instincts, they are N E V E R wrong.
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Johnnie Rico
FREEBIRD!!!
Heh, jk! My fav so far is Monkeys ... It reminds me of a couple guys I know.
Seriously tho, Feel the freakin love, people!
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rolomashem
I really like the songs you got a cool acoustic guitar style.
When i think of Nashville I think of silver corn on the barbecue. I had a great time there in de 80's. Got to stay a week with REM when they were recording "green" I think it was called in the end. Was meeting the producer, Scott, who we worked with after they finished . Lazy evenings playing that catching thing with the big glove and ball. I remember thinking Nashville is ok.
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dead-eye
Im a rocker ... and I liked it ... ... a lot of feel good music ... good job !!
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Rusty Karr
I was gonna play tambourine on this guy's project but apparently he didn't need any tambourine. Outta luck again....damn!
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