Interview: To Have Heroes

To Have Heroes is singer/songwriter Andy Skib. Maybe I should let him explain it: "What do you do when you’re not a band, but you’re not a solo artist? You give it a name. I chose, "To Have Heroes", to be that name. This is my "project". Over the past eight years of my life I’ve become friends with some incredible musicians. Some live in Tulsa, some in Austin, Nashville, and New York. Oh yeah, and one lives in American Idol. To Have Heroes is my way of beginning to see what I sound like with the help of all of these different "musically inclined" friends."

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?

For me, I'd have to say it all started when I was between 5 and 10 years old singing in the car. Sting, James Taylor and Nat King Cole are my fondest memories. I haven't stopped singing since.


2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?

I go through cycles of favorites....right now i'd have to say Augustana, Jason Mraz and George Stanford. Yet, there is always Silverchair, Ryan Adams, Amos Lee, Big Wreck, and Soundgarden/Chris Cornell playing in my car.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

Probably finishing my newest EP. It's really my first venture without a band. It's sort of a bittersweet feeling though. I love the fact that I can do it yet, I don't have that companionship that comes with having a band. Overall, it gives me a great sense of accomplishment.

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?

Oh I completely think that music can change the world. To me it's the most universal language out there. It doesn't matter where you're from, if you feel it, you feel it.

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Well, technology is a blessing and a curse. If you're not on the front edge of it you're going to be left behind. If you don't know how to take advantage of it all, it might end up hurting you. For me it is a great tool! Somehow through cyberspace I've been able to let people, thousands of miles away learn about my music and listen to it without waiting weeks and weeks. All they had to do was type in my url and there's my music. I can put up a video that took me 10 minutes to make and show it to all of them in a matter of minutes. If technology is used well, there is no reason we shouldn't embrace it.

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

Definitely a 90's pair of Air Jordan's.