Interview from JuniorsCave.com

By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA
(Juniorscave.com)

Bernie Journey is very passionate about his music. He sings with a purpose that will sure to make you smile thinking of happy thoughts. With an angelic face and voice to match it, Bernie certainly is in his own element when it comes to making music. In this exclusive interview with our Webzine, Bernie talks one on one about his music and where he is heading in general. Enjoy!

Isaac: Hi Bernie, Welcome to your interview with Junior's Cave. Now that 2008 has officially ended, what are your reflections of the year 2008 for you as an artist?

Bernie: Very glad to have finished my second album which took me almost a year and a half to record. Now that the album is finished I am glad to put out new singles and share my music with my listeners.

Isaac: What has drawn you to wanting to make music?

Bernie: With my current release I wanted to record the songs about events that have been the most meaningful and life-changing for me... along with the hopes that they would inspire listeners as well -- and that's really why I made this album.

Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?

Bernie Journey: Aside from growing up in Cleveland, the home of rock 'n roll, my musical influence is Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders. She's from Akron, Ohio; I am from Cleveland, Ohio, and have been influenced by not only her musical stylings but, also her strong rebel spirit. She is someone who fights for, and speaks loudly and clearly about topics and causes she believes in. Creatively, she is a fantastic songwriter who has crafted many popular hits and continues putting out really good music over the years.

Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?

Bernie: Being named 'Bernie Journey' it can appear to many that I have changed my name and am trying to create some sort of packaged pop act. I can't count the times I've been asked what my real name is?! Over time my audience comes to find that NOT ONLY is my name authentic and original but also my songs including lyrics and the way I choose to present myself!

Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?

Bernie: Madonna. I think if I ever needed advice on any aspect of the music business - she'd be the one who'd know! She's a living, breathing example for anyone seeking longevity in a music career.

Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?

Bernie: I feel I best covey myself and my thoughts and wishes through my music. When I have to describe my music I always say, "it is Pop/Rock with a little dance and R&B, similar to George Michael or Seal".

Isaac: What can fans expect from your latest CD, you are working on currently? What is the inspiration behind the CD?

Bernie: My next CD will be very pop and fun! It also has a rebellious streak to it and will be a lot louder with an in-your-face attitude. I think I've been releasing a lot of pent up energies and aggression with my new songs I've been working on!

Isaac: Where can fans locate you at online?

Bernie: My own site BernieJourney.com, twitter.com/berniejourney, myspace.com/berniejourney

Isaac: What can fans expect from you in 2009?

Bernie: Releasing singles with remixes from my album 'The World in the Eye of the Beholder'.

Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans?

Bernie: I'd like to send warm hellos to my sister Karla Journey and her girlfriend Denise DeBratto along with my friends and back-up singers Lisa Mamazza and Julia Bugnacki. Finally to my fans and listeners for all their support and encouragement.

Isaac: Final words...

Bernie: Be true to yourself!

♪ 4 More Songs Uploaded Today! ♫

4 More Songs Uploaded Today! http://www.myspace.com/berniejourney

Review of Bernie Journey's 'The World In The Eye Of The Beholder'

Banking on the eletro-R&B beats of the late 80s, Bernie Journey’s “The World in the Eye of the Beholder” is the newest dance club staple. Pounding bass lines with sweet, rhythmic lyrics, Journey idolizes the ambience of neon lights against a black background.
Opening with an overdubbed hypnotic mix, “Dream On” sets the stage for a late night dance fest. Showing influences of several genres, including pop, dance, R&B and especially jazz, Bernie Journey flashes simple musical elements against classic, electric beats. A few tracks down,“Just a Dream” picks up where “Dream On” left off – a dance starter with a touch of a cabaret jazz influence .
Throughout “The World in the Eye of the Beholder,” reminisces of past decade’s dance tunes taunt the audience’s rhythmic movements – with each song sending a jolt of subwoffing energy throughout the crowd. Journey plays with layers of background tonics track to track, while mildly diversifying his voice. The consistent delivery of smooth, soft lyrics gives a sort of tonality to the album, regardless of deepening complexity.
The featured track, “Everything,” embodies the nightlife ranging from Journey’s native Cleveland to New York City. Divulging in romantic twists of lyrics chopping in between singular bouncing notes, “Everything” epitomizes the aura of glow sticks in a Midori sour. On the track, Journey claims that he can “never ask for more,” though for entertainment purposes, it is recommended to always, always try for much more –especially while exploring a niche genre such as dance music.
Bernard Journey does attract the audience with his club hopping tunes, throwing each one into a sea of wavering, vibrant dancing. While his slower, more jazz influenced tunes show a little more virtuosic integrity, they are few and forgettable beneath eletro-pop repetitions.
Adding some classical influences into the mix, the title track “The Worldin the Eye of the Beholder” is an upbeat, anthem of looking at the possibilities with a lover. Sweet, optimistic perspectives become an enchanting, new age love song.
With obvious influences of George Michael, Bernie Journey, born Bernard David Journey, has noted that he was raised around great rock 'n' roll. While his output ranges far from classical rock ‘n’ roll, Journey resembles more of a Rick Astley (the proprietor of a soulful voice complimenting electric beats with the 1987 hit, “Never Gonna Give You Up”), sans the pulled-back arrangements. Both musicians use their diverse voices with synchronic ranges of tonal elements.
As a debut album, “The World in the Eye of the Beholder” creates Journey’s affluence of hearty throwback pop. His lyrics have an innocent simplicity to them, while the influence of several musical elements and genres combine to create a thumping, crash of club electricity. And while it still is just a debut, the strengths of his compositions and vocal potential will hopefully help direct him in future endeavors.

For more information about Bernie Journey and “The World in the Eye ofthe Beholder,” head over to http://www.berniejourney.com/.

Nicole DeLawder (2009-04-01)