SIMPLY SIX: Phoebe Sharp

Phoebe Sharp 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?

To be honest, I can't remember there being a specific defining moment where I suddenly decided that I wanted to be a singer. I definitely don't have such epic memories as watching Elvis or the Beatles for the first time. Music was just part of who I was from birth. It just came naturally. Although none of my family is musical, I for some reason had this overwhelming desire to create music. From about 3 or 4 years old I started to create little songs, granted they were certainly not grammy winners! I always wanted to create music, however I think the moment that I realized that being an artist was not just a dream but a very real possibility was when I met the band Pairadeux from Denver, Colorado in 2006. They taught me a lot about songwriting and helped me to record some of my songs. They also introduced me to the Kaua'i Music Festival in Kaua'i, Hawaii where I made some fantastic industry contacts and got introduced to my producer in Nashville, Cliff Downs. Another little fun fact that has always stuck with me may sound crazy, but my Mom got talked into seeing a psychic by her friends when I was only a little baby and the psychic told her that I would travel the world because of music. Quite the freaky coincidence that I am actually pursuing music! :)

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

When I'm not creating music, I absolutely love to listen to the greats like The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Eagles, and Michael Jackson. I also love some more current artists such as Ben's Brother, Sara Barielles, Coldplay, The Fray, Demi Lovato, and U2! I basically love any type of music so I listen to a lot bands, but it would take way too long to list them all!

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

I would say my greatest moment as an artist so far was not from performances, but actually happened just recently online. I have been getting a ton of support from fans on my myspace page and they have been sending out bulletins to their friends trying to spread the word. Just recently I discovered that two of my fans made videos telling people how much they loved my music and telling everyone to check it out! They are even making videos to my songs. I think that's the most rewarding moment as an artist to know that your music touches people and that they care about it so much that they are willing to do whatever they can to help you out and tell everyone about it!

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

I definitely believe with all my heart that music can change the world. Music is the universal language. It speaks to people in a way that words alone cannot. It reaches deep into the soul and can draw up overwhelming emotions in people. It can inspire them to do things that they never thought were possible. Music can be very powerful and if used in the right way, can help spread the word about making our world a better place.

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

Technology has definitely affected my career as a musician. It has allowed me not only to have the ability to record tracks in my own home, but has also allowed me to create instrumental tracks in the studio that I would normally not have had access to. It allows you to create an entire orchestra with only a midi hookup and a keyboard, although nothing can beat the real instruments of course. It also has allowed myself, and other artists around the world to create new unique, synthesized sounds and effects to fully convey their concept for the song. With the new technology, there are almost limitless possibilities to the sounds that can be created. But there is more than just recording technology that has forever changed the music industry. The internet has become a huge force recently, allowing artists like myself to promote, share, and sell their own music independently through sites such as myspace. It has allowed me to share my music with people from around the world who normally would not have been able to hear it! Technology is fabulous! However with it comes disadvantages such as illegal downloading of songs which is really affecting the music industry and artists! I tell everyone I can to please support their artists and purchase their songs :)

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

Wow, this is probably the toughest question yet! :) Hmm...I would have to say that I would be a flip flop. I absolutely love flip flops, especially because I am obsessed with Hawaii and that is definitely the official shoe over their (although they are called "slippers" there!). :) Flip flops can be fancy and cute but they can also be comfortable and easy going. I guess my personality is sort of like that :)