SIMPLY SIX: Patti Rothberg

Patti is a talented artist from New York. She recently released her new album Double Standards.

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 used to sing to myself in my plaid pants on the lawn of my parent's home when I was only 3 It might be my earliest real memory. But the defining moment in culture may have been when Olivia Newton John was a rollerskating singing muse in Xanadu, 1982 or so.

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

SO many...but I LOVE a great song! Tom Petty, Jules Shear, Elliot Smith, Juliana Hatfield, Patti Smith, Stevie Nicks, Dylan, THE BEATLES, Zeppelin etc..!!

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

That might be a tie between the solo that flew from my fingers on Looking 4 a Girl, and my ridiculous spoken word event in the fade of Eggshells on Candelabra Cadabra (my second record). Frank Zappa would have been proud.

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

I believe music changes the world every day. It only takes one set of two ears to hear and believe in someone like say, Bob Dylan and play telephone...pass it on until soon music, fashion politics and the world are affected!!! Political messages thru music are like the medicine that make the spoonful of sugar go down.

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

Video killed the radio star. The internet killed video. everything is much too diluted now. Next!?

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

Part of me would be stilletos or 70s platform boots, the other part would be barefoot!