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TGO'S EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH TEDDY

In 'Almost Famous', William Miller says, 'You have to be depressed to write a sad song or in love to write a love song.' Do you think a song's better if you've experienced (or if you're experiencing) what you're writing about?

First of all, I love that movie. I think there is a level to which you need to experience something to write about it, but for me it's not a necessity. The way I always tend to write is just take the experiences and stories from my daily life and apply them in a way so that it's interesting to listen to. It's my life, exaggerated.

What do you think of your old demos being on the new CD? Was it your idea and was it weird to hear yourself as a young artist?

I love that those old demos are on there. I listen to them all the time and it was my idea to put them on there. I think it's something interesting for people to listen to the evolution of a song from a basement 2-track recorder to an actual LP.

What was it like to be at the TRL studio? Did you get to see your appearance?

Yes I saw it. My mom taped it. It is always awesome going to TRL. I've been there three times now and it never ceases to amaze me. That studio is like the mothership for all things pop culture. Being there you feel this crazy energy.

Do you feel that you have a easier time finding inspiration for songs on the road or at home?

There is no better place to write than my basement, but i definitely have found inspiration on the road. Seeing so many different places and people make it easy to write.

With all of the opportunities you've been given, is there anything you wish that you would have done differently?

I wish I didn't fall asleep on the bus when it caught fire.

What went through your mind the first time you heard yourself on the radio?

I was in my Dad's car, and it was weird because that's where I used to listen to my demos because he has great speakers in there. So i felt like i was just listening to a demo. then i realized - EVERYONE CAN HEAR THIS! it was awesome

It's so awesome that you're on the cover of Seventeen! When did you find out about it & what was your initial reaction?

I found out a couple months before it came out. I was so shocked because I thought only girls got to be on the cover.

John Lennon said in a Rolling Stone interview, "There's nothing more fun than talking about your own songs and records. I mean, you can't help it, it's your bit, really." What have you always wanted to say about your music that no one's ever asked you?

I just hope everyone enjoys it :)

What's a typical day on the road like for you versus a typical day at home?

The biggest difference between road and home is the food. On the road I can get food more easily, but at home the food is much better. besides that i usually do the same stuff.

You have a long weekend to do whatever you want - no limitations. Where will you go and what will you do?

Best things about days off is the sleeping in and the time i have to get in the studio and lay down some new demos!

What is your normal process for writing and arranging a song?

It usually varies, but lately I've been coming up with music first, then adding lyrics later.

So there's one question everyone I've talked to is wants to know - when you have time to go on the computer where do you like to surf? Do you ever check out your MySpace comments, &message boards?

Myspace is awesome and addicting. I'm always on my myspace page and I write all the comments, blogs and stuff like that. Oh! One page I love on the web is Ringo Starr's Web page. He has the most hilarious home movies ever. you have to check it out.

**As per Teddy's suggestion, you can check out Ringo Starr's web page here .