SIMPLY SIX: Annie Clements

Annie Clements is from New Orleans and the daughter of noted blues guitarist Cranston Clements. She began playing bass at 13 and is currently the bassist and background vocalist for the country group Sugarland.

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 always involved in something musical ever since I was a small child. Having Cranston Clements for a dad will pretty much guarantee that. If I had to pick a particular moment though, I'd say it was in 5th grade. I was cast as the lead in the school play and sang a solo piece in front of the entire lower school. I made my teacher cry! It was the first moment where I felt like, "I can do this. This is what I want to do."

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

All time favorites include The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, The Beachboys, The Continental Drifters and Aimee Mann. I'm currently really into the new Racconteurs record, the new Kings of Leon, and this crazy band called Black Joe Lewis and the Honey Bears. They're awesome!

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

I've been fortunate enough to have a few of these. Theresa Andersson and I got to play the 50th Anniversary of the Fender Stratocaster at Wembley arena alongside David Gilmour, Brian May, Ron Wood, Joe Walsh and other legends. We got to spend a week rehearsing on a soundstage in London with them, hanging out. Standing onstage for the finale with those guys was one of the defining moments of my life. Another was the first time my band with my dad - The Chillun's - pulled off "Good Vibrations" at Tipitina's in 2004. It was one of the most triumphant musical moments 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 music can dramatically effect change. I recently posted a video on my youtube channel and Warner Brothers muted the sound because I'd used a 20 second clip from En Vogue's "Never Gonna Get It" and they claimed copyright infringement. The video was completely lifeless without the music. Once the music was added back in, the video made people laugh and cheer. I think that microcosm of an example works one hundred fold in the larger scheme of things. When presidents are elected it seems like the first thing they do is plan a huge concert. People want to come together and celebrate their victory with good music.

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

The music industry has been turned upside down by technology. Sugarland may be one of the last bands out there that can still make money selling cd's. Labels are having to re-work their entire infrastructure and most of them are going down. It's a crazy time, but at the same time there's so much more opportunity for anyone and everyone to be heard. It's scary but it's exciting. Technology affects my life every day. You contacted me here on a social networking page. How on earth would we have gotten in touch before all of this? I've made so many connections with people as a result of all this new media stuff. I can even sing background vocals on someone's project, post the files online, and be a part of a record for someone I've never even met. Plus I'm totally addicted to Twitter now which is so much fun.

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

Hmm... Shoes... I'd probably be like a pair of Doc Martin's or something. I'll bet Susan Cowsill answered that too. Or maybe she said moccasins? Those were the only two shoes I ever saw her in all the years I nannied for her. Mostly she was barefoot. I'll have to check her answers! Yeah, Doc Martin's. Sort of rebellious, a little goth, waterproof. Sounds like me!

photo copyright by Annie Clements