Steven Roth’s piano, golden voice and earwormy pop songs are a pretty deadly combo—especially when coupled with his vivid lyrics, as in the single "Good Times Go So Fast."

“It centers around themes of recognizing the fleeting nature of life, especially the good times, and how we all have to recognize that and enjoy it all while we can and before it's too late!” Roth says.

Roth made his mark with his 2013 solo debut, Let It In. He was then handpicked by Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey to open for The Who at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and Madison Square Garden (he’s also shared a stage with Audioslave, Robert Plant and Elvis Costello, among others). Roth, who describes his music as alternative soul- pop, talks to Myspace about the first song he ever wrote, living and writing music in Los Angeles, and opening for The Who.

Hometown and homebase: Los Angeles

Does living in Los Angeles influence your music?

Growing up in California has influenced my sound in a general sense, in terms of drawing from some the greats that got their start out here. I think you can also hear the sunlight, the ocean, the perpetually good weather in a lot of LA bands’ music.

What's the best thing about being a musician in LA?

The best part of being a musician in LA is that there's always great live music to go out and see. I also get to collaborate with all kinds of cool people that also call LA home. It's always fun and exciting.

What bands were you raised on?

I remember hearing a lot of Beatles, classic rock, some Motown ... My grandmother and great-grandmother on my mom's side were both concert pianists, so I suppose that eventually led me to the piano as well, though I started out as a guitarist.

When did you know you wanted to be a performer though? Did you have a eureka moment as a musician?

Some of my earliest memories as a child are of me singing and "performing" for my family, our guests ... anyone who would listen really. So I guess I caught that bug when I was very young, and it's still got a hold of me now, thank goodness.

Do you remember the first song you ever wrote?

It was a punk-rock type of song called "Lately." It's been quite a while, but I seem to recall it being about no longer being into the person I was with at the time.

Describe your songwriting process.

It depends on the song, and whether I'm collaborating with another writer. But I would say generally it starts with stumbling on some piano chords and then working out a vocal melody. To me vocal melody and lyrics are paramount, with everything else supporting that. If I'm lucky I'll write the chorus first as that provides me with the payoff, and then I can work backwards on the verses. It doesn't always happen that way though. Sometimes it's verse lyrics that build the story towards the chorus. I wish I could say I have a "go-to" method that works every time. But it's really a case by case, whatever it takes to get the song out of me type of approach.

Who are your musical heroes?

John Lennon has always been a standout for me. Not only do his songs speak to me in a very powerful way, but his message of truth, peace, and taking care of each other has always inspired me. Some others would be Bob Marley, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, and David Byrne.

Talk about the craziest thing a fan has ever done for you.

I probably can't divulge everything! But a great P.C. one would be the time a fan drove over five hours to see us play in Salt Lake City. That may not be such a big deal for a major artist, but for an indie up-and-comer, I was over the moon about it!

You've opened for a lot of greats. Which one was your favorite?

Opening for The Who at my hometown arena, Staples Center, was a real standout for me. It was an honor, as well as insane adrenaline rush, to open up for such an iconic and lasting rock 'n' roll outfit. And it was such a blast seeing them bring the house down after I played. They inspired me a lot to keep on pushing and try to make it back to that stage.

Do you have a dream collaborator?

I would love to collaborate with Adele. Needless to say her voice is chilling. But I'm also very drawn to her organic, soulful approach to writing and performing. She's very true to herself and her sound, and I love that about her. Always doing things on her own terms, take it or leave it.