Utah singer-songwriter Rob Alvord plays pop music "with hints of jazz, surf, western, and Latin music." Yet though his influences may prove eclectic, he prefers his tunes as simple as a glass of cold lemonade.

"I try to write songs that you would associate with a good summer, or a simple melody you would enjoy whistling while walking down the sidewalk," says Alvord.

You can sample the simplicity on the self-titled EP he released in April, now available on iTunes. In the meantime, learn more about the Millcreek music-maker who can be heard weekly at restaurants like Gepetto's, Tin Angel and Meditrina.

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Your bio says you were "surrounded by musicians at a young age." Please explain.

I grew up with a very musical family. My Father is a multi-instrumentalist he always was writing songs or having some type of group practicing in our house whether it be a Brazilian or Motown group. My brother also had a progressive rock group, I used to sit on the stairs secretly listening to them practice and banter in their musical jargon. This helped me to realize early the power and magic of music.

What inspired you to start this project, and when did you start it?

I played bass in a local funk band called Ediphonic. It was probably the best and most successful group I had yet played in. I put so much work into it, and it was so devastating to have it end against my will that I decided to start my own project where I was the only person responsible. The project kicked off in April 2009 with the release of my debut self-titled album.

You don't care for music "saturated with heavy emotions, thick metaphors and over-thought imagery?" Could you give me an example?

I don't want to name any particular artists. That line in the bio is to illustrate what is going on in music today mostly in the Indie and Emo/Sceamo movement. That is not to say I'm knocking any of that, its just a big contrast from what I'm doing. I think for some people what I'm coming out with is a breath of fresh air.

Do you wish you could have experienced the '60s?

I prefer a lot of music from that era; it was creative yet listenable. The lyrics were about peace and friendship in contrast to a lot of the violent and whiny lyrics we get today. For sure I wish I could have experienced the '60s...that is if I'm not drafted into 'Nam!

Why are you so intrigued by guitarist John Frusciante?

It is such a Cinderella Story. The man literally came back from the dead and resurrected a band's stardom, to which he had originally helped become a phenomenon when he was only 19 years old. Truly, only a man who had been to hell and back has the understanding and ability to channel raw human emotion into sound waves the way that John Frusciante does.

What are some of your accomplishments?

I was awarded the 2009 State Finalist for the BMI John Lennon Song Writing Contest for my song "Taxi Man." I also have sold over 200 CDs in five months -- I know it's not much compared to a really famous act, but I feel it's a pretty big accomplishment for someone who just sells CDs out of his guitar case. I have also had some local TV and radio appearances.

Do you live as happily and simply as your lyrics suggest (watching sunsets every night, etc.)?

I defiantly try to. A lot of my lyrics are purposefully cliche and light hearted designed to induce good emotion in your common listener.

What are you working on now?

New songs that pass my "will most people like this?" test: After I write a song, I ask myself, "Will most people like this?" If the answer is no, even if I like it, it gets the axe. I have also been studying a little Django Reinhardt.

What else would you like our readers to know?

Any fans that have CD's send me an e-mail! I love getting them!