Matthew Ryan is a singer/songwriter from Tennessee.
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?
When I saw Sinead O'Connor tear up the picture of the Pope on Saturday Night Live. My feeling at the time was that she had a point. And I felt that it was a clear lesson in that one should speak so not to be misunderstood rather than speak to be understood.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
I listen to crickets and coyotes a lot. Tree frogs are loud around here as well. But as far as music, I listen to a lot of Sinatra lately.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
It's been something that's starting to happen more often, almost every night these days. But when people start singing along at shows is beautiful. It's not an ego thing, and it's not meant as a manipulation to get be engaged. My assumption right or wrong is that we are connected through our experiences and that there's a sense of community in heartbreak and hope. When we sing together, we're honoring that thread. I 've always felt that the "I" in my songs were meant for "WE" and "US."
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
Music is a lightening rod. It's a mirror into the collective mind and mood. And sometimes it's beautiful, and sometimes it's vapid. Sadly, our collective vigilance only seems motivated when things are coming unwound. But clearly vigilance should be a permanent watch post. People change the world. Songs rarely do. But a song can change a person. So, in a way, yes... A song can change the world.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
Technology giveth and technology taketh away. I still have a career because of technology, and for that I'm grateful. But I think the marketing of technology is dangerous. The line between art and entertainment has been completely compromised to a blurry mess. Art connects, inspires and comforts us; entertainment wastes our time.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Interview: Gina Villalobos
Gina Villalobos is a singer/songwriter from California.
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?
GV- no, there was not one defining moment, it was more like a series of undefinable ones through out my life. to me music is not like any other profession. no one really wakes up one day and decides to be a musician like they would a fireman or something. i don't think there are any schools out there that can teach one to emote. i never one day decided to be an artist. i just think that i had always been one. for me it was more about realizing who i had always been...what i already was. it didn't have to do with seeing a certain band on tv or anything like that. music was always poring out of the walls of our house when we were kids. it would have been more shocking for me if all of a sudden the music stopped.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
GV- it depends if i am not creating music it probably means i am stuck on something so i usually do NOTHING, listen to nothing. This period of time cleanses my system of unnecessary information. It is like cleaning the hard drive. The system works much smoother when it’s cleared of fragments. Somehow when I stand still creativity comes back to me. NOT writing or NOT listening to music is a big is part of the writing and production process for me.
recent favs- rickie lee jones, wilco, ryan adams
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
GV- the feeling i get after i write a song
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
GV- no, i don't really think music can change the world or current events.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
GV well..... good question.
i think it has been good and bad. i think for sure it has devalued the job title "music producer" since everybody and there brother can call them selves one these days if the have pro tools. there is a lot more music out there because of this and a lot of it is not quality art....just my opinion.
kind of like what happened to the movie industry when the Mini DV cam was invented. all of a sudden everybody was a film maker but all the movies that came out sucked because they weren't really film makers, they just owned a DV camera?
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be? running
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?
GV- no, there was not one defining moment, it was more like a series of undefinable ones through out my life. to me music is not like any other profession. no one really wakes up one day and decides to be a musician like they would a fireman or something. i don't think there are any schools out there that can teach one to emote. i never one day decided to be an artist. i just think that i had always been one. for me it was more about realizing who i had always been...what i already was. it didn't have to do with seeing a certain band on tv or anything like that. music was always poring out of the walls of our house when we were kids. it would have been more shocking for me if all of a sudden the music stopped.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
GV- it depends if i am not creating music it probably means i am stuck on something so i usually do NOTHING, listen to nothing. This period of time cleanses my system of unnecessary information. It is like cleaning the hard drive. The system works much smoother when it’s cleared of fragments. Somehow when I stand still creativity comes back to me. NOT writing or NOT listening to music is a big is part of the writing and production process for me.
recent favs- rickie lee jones, wilco, ryan adams
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
GV- the feeling i get after i write a song
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
GV- no, i don't really think music can change the world or current events.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
GV well..... good question.
i think it has been good and bad. i think for sure it has devalued the job title "music producer" since everybody and there brother can call them selves one these days if the have pro tools. there is a lot more music out there because of this and a lot of it is not quality art....just my opinion.
kind of like what happened to the movie industry when the Mini DV cam was invented. all of a sudden everybody was a film maker but all the movies that came out sucked because they weren't really film makers, they just owned a DV camera?
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be? running
Friday, July 18, 2008
Voices to hear Book Out
If you've liked this site check out the book Voices to hear. It's a collection of the posts on here and a lot of pictures. Since I can't include samples of the music I've tried to make up for it with lots of pictures. So go check it out, the link is on the sidebar and if you want buy a copy or two.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
The Best Album of 2007
This post is long overdue and I meant to write it a lot sooner, but finally have gotten around to it.
This album lives up to the tagline of Voices to hear better than anything yet. The Best Music You've Never Heard. Windswept Moon was slated to come out in early 2007 and at this date, July of 2008, it still has not been released. Why I can't understand. 2006 was a good year for Shannon. Gernomio had come out, followed by her live album North American Ghost Music and than the ep South Side Session with Charlie Sexton. Following it up with Windswept Moon would have continued her run of excellent music.
I consider Windswept Moon to be the best album of 2007, so I have no idea why it wasn't released. It was produced by legendary Memphis producer Jim Dickinson. Members of the North Missisippi All Stars played on the album. She duets with rising amerciana star Ray Lamontge on "Hangs Sweetly On The Vine."
So once again I am left with the question: why wasn't this album released and even more importantly, why hasn't it be released still?
For anyone that has seen Shannon in concert within the last year much of this album will be familar as she's been performing much of it live.
The album opens with "Lovely" a regular at her shows now. What starts out as a song about life on the road turns into a song of love and life at home with her questioning her place in life. "Wants to count as one of the good guys when I'm laid to rest."
The next song is "Sinful Daughter" by Dave Alvin. Shannon makes this song her own.
Another song that has become a staple of her live shows is "Jack B. Nimble" from this album. This is a great rock n roll song and really is great in concert.
"Hombre" is a song inspired by the Paul Newman western.
The track list is:
Lovely
Sinful Daughter
Sweet Honey
Jack B. Nimble
Hangs Sweetly On The Vine
Indian Giver Bible
Hombre
The Watcher
Roll Away The Stone
Bohemian Wedding Song
This Ain't Home
Rock and Roll Gypsies
This album lives up to the tagline of Voices to hear better than anything yet. The Best Music You've Never Heard. Windswept Moon was slated to come out in early 2007 and at this date, July of 2008, it still has not been released. Why I can't understand. 2006 was a good year for Shannon. Gernomio had come out, followed by her live album North American Ghost Music and than the ep South Side Session with Charlie Sexton. Following it up with Windswept Moon would have continued her run of excellent music.
I consider Windswept Moon to be the best album of 2007, so I have no idea why it wasn't released. It was produced by legendary Memphis producer Jim Dickinson. Members of the North Missisippi All Stars played on the album. She duets with rising amerciana star Ray Lamontge on "Hangs Sweetly On The Vine."
So once again I am left with the question: why wasn't this album released and even more importantly, why hasn't it be released still?
For anyone that has seen Shannon in concert within the last year much of this album will be familar as she's been performing much of it live.
The album opens with "Lovely" a regular at her shows now. What starts out as a song about life on the road turns into a song of love and life at home with her questioning her place in life. "Wants to count as one of the good guys when I'm laid to rest."
The next song is "Sinful Daughter" by Dave Alvin. Shannon makes this song her own.
Another song that has become a staple of her live shows is "Jack B. Nimble" from this album. This is a great rock n roll song and really is great in concert.
"Hombre" is a song inspired by the Paul Newman western.
The track list is:
Lovely
Sinful Daughter
Sweet Honey
Jack B. Nimble
Hangs Sweetly On The Vine
Indian Giver Bible
Hombre
The Watcher
Roll Away The Stone
Bohemian Wedding Song
This Ain't Home
Rock and Roll Gypsies
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Interview: Michelle White
Michelle White is a singer/songwriter and the daughter of legendary Tony Joe White.
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?
Hearing a new song as a little girl, by my father in the mornings over coffee. He played very quietly, with an acoustic. And I loved that.
Also, Roberta Flack's voice singing "That's the Time I Feel Like Making Love".
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
I listen to everything...currently Van Morrison, the Rebirth Brass Band, Peter Gabriel's new tune, Pat McLaughlin, Mary J. Blige's version of ONE with U2, Backwater Blues by Irma Thomas, Tony Joe White's crazy new album, DEEP CUTS and I have been revisiting some Waylon and WIllie and Stevie Wonder... and Bebel Gilberto, Sinead O'Conner,..telepopmusic has a great song, Buckley, Jason Isbell, soundtrack from The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, ...peaches.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
Playing The New Morning in Paris with my friends in the band, my cousin on guitar, and my Dad joining me...complete with a horn section from France. It was a perfect night.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
Music changes everything. Music influences most of us every day. I think everything we say or do has an effect like a stone in a pond...rippling on and on- so what we create in music....does this in a profound way especially those artists who are listened to by the masses. I hope artists realize this...many I listen to are very aware of their effect. Just listening to Peter Gabrielle's song from Wall-E lifts my spirits and the molecules in my body.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
Technology has given me quicker access to new music. Unfortunately it has all but stopped the income of small or middle ground artists like myself. Many of the greatest musicians and artists of my generation had to quit music as their full time job because there was not enough money generated due to the pirating of music. It is not in good shape and very disheartening. I wish that consumers understood that if they do not pay for their music, then many of the artists cannot continue doing music. Only the hugely successful and very young and willing to starve survive this industry right now.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
I go barefoot.
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?
Hearing a new song as a little girl, by my father in the mornings over coffee. He played very quietly, with an acoustic. And I loved that.
Also, Roberta Flack's voice singing "That's the Time I Feel Like Making Love".
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
I listen to everything...currently Van Morrison, the Rebirth Brass Band, Peter Gabriel's new tune, Pat McLaughlin, Mary J. Blige's version of ONE with U2, Backwater Blues by Irma Thomas, Tony Joe White's crazy new album, DEEP CUTS and I have been revisiting some Waylon and WIllie and Stevie Wonder... and Bebel Gilberto, Sinead O'Conner,..telepopmusic has a great song, Buckley, Jason Isbell, soundtrack from The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, ...peaches.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
Playing The New Morning in Paris with my friends in the band, my cousin on guitar, and my Dad joining me...complete with a horn section from France. It was a perfect night.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
Music changes everything. Music influences most of us every day. I think everything we say or do has an effect like a stone in a pond...rippling on and on- so what we create in music....does this in a profound way especially those artists who are listened to by the masses. I hope artists realize this...many I listen to are very aware of their effect. Just listening to Peter Gabrielle's song from Wall-E lifts my spirits and the molecules in my body.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
Technology has given me quicker access to new music. Unfortunately it has all but stopped the income of small or middle ground artists like myself. Many of the greatest musicians and artists of my generation had to quit music as their full time job because there was not enough money generated due to the pirating of music. It is not in good shape and very disheartening. I wish that consumers understood that if they do not pay for their music, then many of the artists cannot continue doing music. Only the hugely successful and very young and willing to starve survive this industry right now.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
I go barefoot.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Interview: Tristan Prettyman
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?
my parents came to a show, and said, we think you should take a break from college and go play music, this seems to make you happy. i said, yes it does! hoorayyy no more scantron sheets!
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
thats interesting, cause we just finished a 6 1/2 week tour, and then i was home for a week, and then i have been in hawaii surfing for the last week, and on the plane today, i didnt listen to my ipod, i just listened to the 'natural' station that you could select on the plane. It was basically all the beatles catalog on the xylaphone. but i realized, since i have been home from tour, i havent had the desire to listen to anything. nothing with words at least. but in general, i really love all music, lately, i love the new jack johnson record, santo gold, and all of the bob marley catalog.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
my greatest moment is always around the corner. with this job you cant expect anything, its so unpredictable, so i just try to enjoy where i am and what i am doing right now. notable moments (haha) include; recording this last record in london, singing a song with cat stevens, and i would say when this girl on valentines day in arizona, jumped the barricade climbed on stage and gave me a huge hug. that was pretty bad ass.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
music is something we can all connect with, and i think when we connect with something, we can most definitely be inspired by it. and inspiration can fuel the action for change. just look at dylan in the 60's. perfect example.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
i always think about how when i was in high school, no one had cell phones, and i was a rarity to have a computer at home. we used to go on the school library computers to go on the internet, and back then, no one hardly even know what the internet was. i remember when i started playing music. i used to burn cds on the computer and sell them at the pizza place i worked at, and then i would sell them at shows, and i would have a mailing list. but no one had myspace, or face book or barely a website. it just amazes me how much the internet has opened the door for music and artists. you can do everything on your own, and people can find and discover music on their own. its pretty awesome. im def a big fan of myspace. its a great way to spread your music and let your fans grow with you.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
ooooh tough call...
i would be my patent leather marc jacobs peep toe heels, because they are so classy and so timeless and theyve never let me down. but then i might get tired and want to be my favorite pair of sanuk suade doe sandals in brown :)
my parents came to a show, and said, we think you should take a break from college and go play music, this seems to make you happy. i said, yes it does! hoorayyy no more scantron sheets!
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
thats interesting, cause we just finished a 6 1/2 week tour, and then i was home for a week, and then i have been in hawaii surfing for the last week, and on the plane today, i didnt listen to my ipod, i just listened to the 'natural' station that you could select on the plane. It was basically all the beatles catalog on the xylaphone. but i realized, since i have been home from tour, i havent had the desire to listen to anything. nothing with words at least. but in general, i really love all music, lately, i love the new jack johnson record, santo gold, and all of the bob marley catalog.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
my greatest moment is always around the corner. with this job you cant expect anything, its so unpredictable, so i just try to enjoy where i am and what i am doing right now. notable moments (haha) include; recording this last record in london, singing a song with cat stevens, and i would say when this girl on valentines day in arizona, jumped the barricade climbed on stage and gave me a huge hug. that was pretty bad ass.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
music is something we can all connect with, and i think when we connect with something, we can most definitely be inspired by it. and inspiration can fuel the action for change. just look at dylan in the 60's. perfect example.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
i always think about how when i was in high school, no one had cell phones, and i was a rarity to have a computer at home. we used to go on the school library computers to go on the internet, and back then, no one hardly even know what the internet was. i remember when i started playing music. i used to burn cds on the computer and sell them at the pizza place i worked at, and then i would sell them at shows, and i would have a mailing list. but no one had myspace, or face book or barely a website. it just amazes me how much the internet has opened the door for music and artists. you can do everything on your own, and people can find and discover music on their own. its pretty awesome. im def a big fan of myspace. its a great way to spread your music and let your fans grow with you.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
ooooh tough call...
i would be my patent leather marc jacobs peep toe heels, because they are so classy and so timeless and theyve never let me down. but then i might get tired and want to be my favorite pair of sanuk suade doe sandals in brown :)
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Interview: Nicole Ockmond
Nicole is a singer/songwriter from New Orleans.
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?
I've always sung whatever I was listening to..when I was a child riding in the back seat my mom used to yell at me to keep it down because I had such a big mouth. No real defining moment..someone I respected told me I should give it a try and I did..auditioned for a friend's band and got the gig.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
I listen to everything and anything as long as it is good and suits my mood or activity. Jazz, Country, Rock, R&B, Blues, Soul, Rapp, Techno whatever... I love to listen to Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, & Sarah Vaughn. I think that Allison Krauss has one of the purest contemporary voices and there are so many other current artists I enjoy..way too numerous to mention
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
On record would have to be the live recording sessions...hearing my lil' songs that I wrote in my room on accoustic guitar flushed out and fully realized by awesome musicians for the first time...that blew me away. Live would have to be performing at the Parish...the upper room at the HOB...I'm used to performing in small places with a crappy PA or no PA at all so it was nice to hear ourselves in a geat venue with a nice crowd.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
Imagine...awesome song.. put to words what many were thinking at the time and still are. Hearing that song certainly makes you think and that is where change can begin...and on a lighter note how about those great songs from School House Rock..they certainly influenced my test scores a few times. I was and am still amazed that such catchy songs could be written from such mundane subject matter
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
Well for one I wouldn't be answering these questions because myspace would not exist. Technology has made everthing accessable to both musician and listener. In the past an artist would only get to record/release their music if they were signed to a record label and only a few of the lucky artists could own and run their own label. Now a musician can record, mix, master, design, duplicate, distribute, market, book your own tour, keep in touch with fans, keep informed about the industry...anything... and all from a personal computer. In the past and artist could dream now I can do.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
High Heel Sneakers of course.
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?
I've always sung whatever I was listening to..when I was a child riding in the back seat my mom used to yell at me to keep it down because I had such a big mouth. No real defining moment..someone I respected told me I should give it a try and I did..auditioned for a friend's band and got the gig.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
I listen to everything and anything as long as it is good and suits my mood or activity. Jazz, Country, Rock, R&B, Blues, Soul, Rapp, Techno whatever... I love to listen to Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, & Sarah Vaughn. I think that Allison Krauss has one of the purest contemporary voices and there are so many other current artists I enjoy..way too numerous to mention
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
On record would have to be the live recording sessions...hearing my lil' songs that I wrote in my room on accoustic guitar flushed out and fully realized by awesome musicians for the first time...that blew me away. Live would have to be performing at the Parish...the upper room at the HOB...I'm used to performing in small places with a crappy PA or no PA at all so it was nice to hear ourselves in a geat venue with a nice crowd.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
Imagine...awesome song.. put to words what many were thinking at the time and still are. Hearing that song certainly makes you think and that is where change can begin...and on a lighter note how about those great songs from School House Rock..they certainly influenced my test scores a few times. I was and am still amazed that such catchy songs could be written from such mundane subject matter
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
Well for one I wouldn't be answering these questions because myspace would not exist. Technology has made everthing accessable to both musician and listener. In the past an artist would only get to record/release their music if they were signed to a record label and only a few of the lucky artists could own and run their own label. Now a musician can record, mix, master, design, duplicate, distribute, market, book your own tour, keep in touch with fans, keep informed about the industry...anything... and all from a personal computer. In the past and artist could dream now I can do.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
High Heel Sneakers of course.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Interview: Paul Sanchez
Paul Sanchez was a founding member of Cowboy Mouth. He's recently left the group and is now on his own. His concerts are billed as the Paul Sanchez and the Rolling Road Show where he performs with different special guests. At the French Quarter Fest this year I happened to catch his show there with John Boutte, Shamar Allen and Susan Cowsill. To call it one of my favorite concert moments is an understatement.
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?
I was asked this question a few years ago in a spontaneous moment and before I had time to think I answered. I remember that my father died when I was five and that is when I also started singing. I don't know that I was especially talented but I was encouraged to sing by my whole family. Looking back I realized it was probably that the sound of a five year old singing was prettier then a houseful of people crying.
I have been attracted to playing solo acoustic and my earliest t.v. music memory is McCartney performing Yesterday on the Ed Sullivan Show.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
I like Sinatra, Dr. John, the Nevilles, John Boutte, the Boss, the Beatles, Nat King Cole, Cole Porter, a good tune and a great lyric.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
I really dig the sense of community a great live show has and that is more difficult to put on a disc, energy and community are intangibles that have to be lived and felt in the recording before they can be heard in the listening. I played in one of the most energetic live bands to come out of New Orleans and for ten releases we made albums lacking in energy and passion. I'm most proud that Dave Pirner, who produced Exit To Mystery Street, was able to put the energy that was bouncing off the walls, on to the disc for people to hear.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
Listening to music is a liberating feeling, giving one's self over to its joys. you can change your world and how you feel about it and connect to it with music. I believe in that way music does, has and will continue to change the world. It starts with a person, spreads to a crowd and echoes to forever.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
It is easier to make demos, cheaper to record records, easier to share music with musicians and promoters. I'm still basically an acoustic guitar guy with a batch of songs but it easier to spread the tunes around now.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
The comfortable kind that you slide into and remember you've always loved, the pair you never knew you missed and don't want to take off.
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?
I was asked this question a few years ago in a spontaneous moment and before I had time to think I answered. I remember that my father died when I was five and that is when I also started singing. I don't know that I was especially talented but I was encouraged to sing by my whole family. Looking back I realized it was probably that the sound of a five year old singing was prettier then a houseful of people crying.
I have been attracted to playing solo acoustic and my earliest t.v. music memory is McCartney performing Yesterday on the Ed Sullivan Show.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
I like Sinatra, Dr. John, the Nevilles, John Boutte, the Boss, the Beatles, Nat King Cole, Cole Porter, a good tune and a great lyric.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
I really dig the sense of community a great live show has and that is more difficult to put on a disc, energy and community are intangibles that have to be lived and felt in the recording before they can be heard in the listening. I played in one of the most energetic live bands to come out of New Orleans and for ten releases we made albums lacking in energy and passion. I'm most proud that Dave Pirner, who produced Exit To Mystery Street, was able to put the energy that was bouncing off the walls, on to the disc for people to hear.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
Listening to music is a liberating feeling, giving one's self over to its joys. you can change your world and how you feel about it and connect to it with music. I believe in that way music does, has and will continue to change the world. It starts with a person, spreads to a crowd and echoes to forever.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
It is easier to make demos, cheaper to record records, easier to share music with musicians and promoters. I'm still basically an acoustic guitar guy with a batch of songs but it easier to spread the tunes around now.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
The comfortable kind that you slide into and remember you've always loved, the pair you never knew you missed and don't want to take off.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
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