Toby Lightman is a singer/songwriter from New Jersey. She has received released two albums to critical success.
1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?
there wasn't a defined moment for me. i think the moment that made want to play an instrument was watching itzak perlman play the violin on PBS when i was 6.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
i'm usually listening to my ipod on shuffle. i like so many different things, but some of the latest are ryan adams, the shins, tom petty, aretha franklin, bill withers...
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
getting to open for prince in portland, oregon was by far the best night of my life...
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
i think that music is extremely powerful when it comes to current events. i wish that there were more artists that wrote songs that could compare to the political messages of the 60's and 70's, but that was a different time i guess...
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
i believe that technology has both helped and hurt music. It helped because you can save and record moments that and not worry about running out of tape. but it's hurt because anybody can sound like christina aguilera now... when they really can't.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
Brian Stoltz is a singer/songerwriter from New Orleans. He has worked with such artists as Bob Dyaln, Neville Brothers, Dr. John, the Meters and Aaron Neville. He has released three solo albums on his own.
1) For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was The Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?
It was 1963. I was eight years old when I first heard The Beatles sing "She Loves You" on WTIX-AM in New Orleans. I was launched into a transcendent, joyous state. I had entered a whole new paradigm. The world made more sense. Around the same time, the radio was also playing "I Want To Hold Your Hand". That’s when music changed for me. Until then the radio was just something in the background. I listened to my mother’s records like the "Sheik Of Arabi" and some old Fats Domino records. I was attracted to music – interested in hearing new sounds – but hearing The Beatles for the first time was a powerful, emotional experience. By the time they appeared on Ed Sullivan’s Sunday night television show I was, in my mind, a musician. There was never a time in my life when I thought otherwise. Providence just handed it to me. In September 1964, The Beatles came to New Orleans to play City Park Stadium. I begged my mother to take me, but she would have none of it. Looking back, she was probably in fear of getting crushed by the manic crowd, but being refused, I was very upset. Things calmed down when on the day of the show she came home from work with a copy of "Meet The Beatles" for me. I was ecstatic! This was my initiation into the art of album-listening. I was nine years old telling people that I was going to be a musician like The Beatles. They would laugh and say, “You are? What instrument do you play?” They would laugh even harder when I told them, “I don’t play anything - but I will”. There have been many defining moments like when I first heard Hendrix - and when I got Dylan for the first time. But hearing The Beatles on the radio for the first time is the all time defining moment.
2)When you are not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
Currently, I am listening to a few new things - The Raconteurs CD, "Consolers Of The Lonely", Radiohead’s "Rainbows" and probably my favorite new release, Drive By Truckers', "Brighter Than Creation’s Dark". I saw them on one of the late night shows. They did a song called "Two Daughters And A Beautiful Wife" - one of the most beautiful songs that I’ve heard in a long time. I bought the record and found that there are a lot of good songs on there. I am also listening to the latest Neil Young record, "Chrome Dreams 2", a Chris Whitley "Anthology 1991 – 2001" and a Curtis Mayfield & The Impressions "Anthology 1961-1977". I am still listening to Tom Waits’ "Orphans" and his "Real Gone" albums. There are a lot of records that have held up over the years that I keep in rotation like the entire Dylan catalog, most of the Hendrix releases, including many bootlegs that I have, the Beatles catalog and an assortment of old local records like "Best of Lee Dorsey", Earl King (The Imperial Years), Dr. John’s "Desitively Bonnaroo" and assorted Allen Toussaint.
3)What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
There have been so many great moments like finding myself on The Rolling Stones’ "Tattoo You" tour with The Neville Brothers, after being out of work for six months recovering from carpel tunnel surgery. Another tour that I hold fond memories of was the first Amnesty International “Conspiracy Of Hope” tour. We were on the road with U2, Peter Gabriel, Lou Reed, The Police and a host of luminaries, raising awareness of the plight of political prisoners around the world. But the memories that remain the clearest are of being in the studio with Bob Dylan, working on his "Oh Mercy" album (1989). The producer, Dan Lanois, set up the recording gear in an old house in uptown New Orleans. This was a quiet, but intense time. I was open to taking in as much as possible from the situation. Having the opportunity to watch Bob work was a real education and inspiration for me. There was no pomp or real pressure to perform – just a few guys sitting around in a tight circle playing real music. These more quiet moments are burned into my memory with more intensity than any of the hoopla that accompanies big tours.
4)Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How can music influence current events?
Everything affects every thing. I don’t feel that music by itself can change much, but the ideas in songs can make a difference. The thoughts we have and the things we say can make a difference. Every thing affects everything. We are living in an age where it is important for us to explore the things we have in common – the things that link us as human. It is time to forgive shortcomings and differences and face life in a fearless manner. Music can influence current events when artists speak fearlessly – and we are living in a time where we just can’t fake it. Songs can inspire individuals to change, but it is individuals who must bring about change.
5)How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
Technology has certainly changed things – some for the better, some for the worse. I have mixed feelings about it all since I am a bit challenged in the technical department. I am still trying to master e-mail. But on the upside I think it is great that, with good quality recording gear becoming more affordable, songwriters and musicians can pull up a drum loop and instantly have a foundation to create over - or that they can lay down that 3 o’clock in the morning idea in an instant. In this regard, it saves time and money. Digital editing has also given us some time-saving features when you compare it to the old days when tape was spliced with a razor blade. But the question is “does all this technology really save us time in the long run?” No, because we now have too many options – and it is within boundaries and limitation that creativity occurs. Having so many options has watered down the creative process. There is a lot of the same crap out there. There was a time when an artist had to perform because a mic was placed before him and his performance was simply captured. The engineer used his ear to find the sweet spot and then placed his mic. It was about capturing sounds in a way that did not require much manipulation after the fact. Of course there are still many artists and engineers who record this way in the digital world, but it seems to me that as the technological bar gets raised it takes more of an effort to make things sound good because of the range of options. My recording engineer George Cureau and I recently experienced this when George installed Pro Tools in his studio. We were already recording with an automated digital console and a 24 track HD recorder. This system is functionally old school. It allows us to record in an analog fashion, but with the time saving feature of not having to rewind tape. The console has good EQ’s in it so he can tweak sounds fast. When we transfered songs to Pro Tools to mix we discovered that the overall sound was wider and more expanded, but with no punch – and it lacked depth. It takes more plug-ins to get the same effect that we used to get with a quick adjustment on the board. So in this regard it is not faster. I find some of the music recorded today unlistenable. My ears get fatigued listening to some CD’s. A lot of new releases are just mastered too hot. Some CD’s, even at a moderate listening level, hurt to the point that I have to turn it off. I can rarely get through a whole CD. When I listen to older records on vinyl or on cassette, the music even at a loud level, just washes over me. It is easy to be absorbed by the music. When I listen to some CD’s I feel like I am being attacked and I have to listen at a lower level. Neil Young summed it up nicely when he said that “Digital could be weaponized.” The albums that I own on CD do not sound as musical as those same records I have on vinyl or cassette. And now we listen to mp3’s which sounds smaller to me than any of those other formats. So, it’s not really getting better in quality. And people don’t care. I recently read a story about a record that Trent Reznor did. Inspired by Radiohead’s decision to let fans pay what they want for the record, Trent decided to give away a lo-fi mp3 version of the music, and I believe charge full price for the good quality, full CD version. A lot of the freebies got downloaded, but he did not sell many quality versions. Sadly, I don’t think many people know the difference anymore. In the download age, the CD stores have become extinct. I guess this is good for the environment, but I like to hold the record (or CD) in my hand. I like to read the credits. What about the artwork and the lyrics on the inside? Sure you can download that too, but it seems that people have lost interest in that, or they don’t have time for it any more. And we are back to the days of the single. A lot of people just buy the song they want to hear as opposed to the whole album. This could be good as it forces artists to be more discriminative and write better songs, but what about the album-oriented artist who’s in-between songs are just as important as the hits that stand out? Also, recording analog on magnetic tape allows more mystery and magic to occur. Digital recording is cleaner, but there is such a thing as too clean. That’s why they have tape saturation plug-ins to dirty things up to sound like tape. It doesn’t really, and the whole concept doesn’t make much sense to me. With things so clean, it’s harder to get sounds to mesh. The colors do not blend like they used to. The lines are too clear-cut. Not just in the music world either. Video doesn’t look better than film. Digital photos do not look better than film. When you look at concert footage shot today, it has no mystery to it. Old performances shot on film have a mystique and magical quality that lacks in today’s digital world. But like everything else in our consumer-driven age, we are slaves to the drive to produce, with little regard for what lies in essence or for the future.
6)Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
Well, if I had to be shoes, I’d like to be a pair of Prada boots (which I happen to own). They are not for everybody. Some may find them pretentious, but fact is, they are very comfortable, the older they get the better they look and they are very well made and will last me the rest of my life. A true classic!
Today’s voice to hear may be one of the more obscure of all the singers I have talked about so far. Her name is Maggie Brown and she was born in the same small Louisiana town as Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley, Ferriday. She has one album out and lives in a small town in Mississippi and bartends to add income to her life as a musician. She is also an English teacher with two kids.
She owes the start of her singing career to her Mom, who was quite a character in her own right. To read more of her early life and her Mom go to her webpage and read her bio. It’s a fascinating story.
Anyone who has a MySpace page knows what a pain it is to get dozens of “friend” requests from people who are really just trying to sell you something, the porn sites and the thousand-and-one musicians that you’ve never heard of and never want to hear of. That’s how I first learned of Maggie Brown. I got a “friend” request from her MySpace page and decided to check it out. She has made it worth all the other worthless friend requests I have had to plod through. I couldn’t believe how good she is.
I dare anyone to listen to “Forty Dollars” and not be instantly hooked. Her voice carries such a lived in, been there, done that, but I’ve survived and can sing about it sound that it just reaches out and grabs ahold of me. Her music has an edge of country with enough guitars in it to slide into that rock category.
To get her CD you’ll have to go to her site and order it. But you’ll be glad you did. She sings stories of life and living, hope and despair. I haven’t been this excited about a new singer in a long time. She’s that good.
I haven’t had a chance to see her live yet, though she performs not far from where I live in Mandeville quite often. So far her scheduled dates have always been bad for me, but I plan to change that soon and check her out live. I just have this feeling that she’ll be just as good in person as she is on vinyl. (Well, actually not on vinyl anymore, but I’m not sure what those cds are made out of.)
I’m hoping that she’s working on a new album, it’s been at least a year since her first one. I want to hear more music from this woman.
It's been awhile since we started this feature and so far have only featured one artist, but all that's about to change. I've already got more than a couple interviews backlogged and have more promised to come. Today we feature local artist Maggie Brown.
1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?
Yes! I share a home town (Ferriday, LA) with Jerry Lee Lewis. My parents took me to his concert in the local high school gym when I was 5. Until then, the only live music I had experienced was in Baptist church. Needless to say--this was a lot different. I remember having goose bumps from head to toe. And deep down realizing that "real" music had a profound effect on me
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
I listen to all kinds of music. Right now--Miranda Lambert....Audioslave...Benjy Davis Project...Delbert McClinton... Buddy Miller. It changes week to week. Old stuff and new stuff.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
Hard to pick a favorite moment. I believe that all our experiences lead us to the next... There were moments recording my record that were immeasurable... but most of my favorite moments are from playing live. Connecting with people is so important as an artist.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
How could I not belive that music can change the world? I know a certain song can transform me at a given moment when I hear it. It can make my day meaningful, or remind me of someone from long ago. Mostly listening to music reminds me that's there is more to life than what is going on in my personal world. I think that's what we all need-to think on a grander scale then everyday life.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
This interview is a great example of how technology has affected the music industry. I have never been fortunate enough to travel as much as I would like to with my music. People from all over the world have reached out to me. And for example...I have always beaten myself up over not having a "successful" music career. After listening to xm radio for a few days, I realized that there are great artists out there who never taste stardom. That alone gives me peace about music. And I'm happy that anyone is listening to my stuff. That, for me, has become success.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
Ha Ha...I've been known more for performing without shoes than with them! I can narrow it down to 2 pair: my cowboy boots, and my platform go-go boots. Those are definitely me, in one way or another.
You might not know who Lori is, but if you’re much of a country fan you’ve probably heard a few of her songs. Faith Hill recorded three of her songs for her most recent album, including the title song “Fireflies.” Faith says she heard Lori’s songs and fell in love with them. The other two songs Faith covers are “Stealing Kisses” and “If You Ask.” The added attention brought Lori’s last album to the attention of Warner Brothers and they re-released Bittertown on their Nashville label. Her newest album which comes out tomorrow if you’re reading this the day it pops up on the internet is produced by Tim McGraw and was recorded in Nashville with a session of studio musicians. Country singer Sara Evans has recorded the song “Bible Song” also.
Not bad for a woman who didn’t start singing until she was 27 and already married with three children. She made her professional debut at open mike nights in the clubs in Boston. At the age of 19 she married her high school sweetheart. Currently they have five children. She released her first album Paper Wings and Halos independently. A singer/songwriter friend of hers, Mary Gauthier (an upcoming Voice to Hear) gave her music to people she knew in Nashville and Lori signed a publishing deal with Harlan Howard’s music company.
Lori lives in Stoughton, Massachusetts with her husband and five children. Her husband is a plumber and she used to drive to gigs in her mini-van. Since the inclusion of her song’s on Faith’s last album Lori has appeared on Oprah and opened part of the Soul2Soul tour for Faith and Tim. (Unfortunately not the show I saw recently.) On her MySpace page she blogs about the tour and traveling the country with the two country music superstars. You can almost hear the awe in her words as she talks about things she never imagined happening to her, life on the road with two of country’s biggest stars and appearing before crowds that she never thought she would.
Lori writes about life in a small town and life as a Mother and Wife so convincingly because she lives the life she writes about. Her song are not strictly auto biographical, but she takes parts from her own life and mixes it with what she sees around her and creates songs that tell the truth of such living.
On Mandy Moore’s new album the former teen pop star was looking to become a more serious singer/songwriter and went to Lori to collaborate on three of the songs on the new album. This could be one of the voices that we hear now as a small, not well known singer that might be on the verge of breaking out into super stardom. Lori might be about to take that next step to becoming to a Star, but regardless of her status in the music field she will continue to release albums of heartfelt emotion and superb singing and that is enough.
