SIMPLY SIX: Cary Grace

Cary Grace is a singer/songwriter from Nashville but currently living in England.

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?

The first time I heard Blonde on Blonde. I found the LP in my dad's record collection. It was rather fascinating looking with that grainy photo printed the whole length of the gatefold, so I played it. I was completely awe-struck. I can't quite remember if it was, "my warehouse eyes, my Arabian drums," or if it was, "the ghost of 'lectricity howls in the bones of her face." Perhaps the cumulative effect of both.

At any rate, some time during that album was most definitely the moment I said to myself, "I don't just want to do that, I have to do that. It is necessary. I have no choice."

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

This week...Pink Floyd, Leonard Cohen, Miles Davis, Gong, Cream, Neil Young, NEU!, Amon Düül II, Mazzy Star, Frank Zappa, Beethoven, Tangerine Dream, Radiohead, The Velvet Underground, The Doors...my musical travels are far and wide, but somehow I always find my way back to Dylan.

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

Right now. No, right now. No, NOW. This is definitely...no, it's actually right NOW...

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

Everything changes the world, even if nobody notices. Change and influence can appear to be very subtle, but small things can actually be very important.

If somebody hears a piece of music, and it changes who they are a little, or how they think--even slightly--the music has affected that person's life, and has affected the way they will react to events, what they will do when faced with choices, etc. That person might go on to do something very significant to society or culture, but it's more likely that the person's life will only really be significant to those close to him or her...maybe a few dozen people.

Now imagine a million people so affected by a piece of music. Maybe 10 million. Even if none of those people are individually considered to be very significant, collectively they are very significant, and collectively those they influence are even more significant.

A small thing can be far-reaching. Influence spreads like ripples, and is very difficult to quantify or prove, or to trace back to a source, when it reaches to places far removed from the source. One should not mistake a lack of proof or direct traceability for a lack of potential, or a lack of power.

I think that because of this great potential, we also have a great responsibility as artists.

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

The music industry is certainly in a state of flux right now, very much instigated by technology. It will be interesting to see how it all shakes out. I think the technological thing that has affected me most is the cost of recording equipment coming down, and the fact that making quality recordings is now very accessible. I love the recording and production process, and it is wonderful being able to do it on my own time and my own terms.

Also, the internet has made it easier and easier to distribute music directly to the music buying public. I think this allows for a level of interaction that was not possible before, but it also makes it more difficult to be heard through the noise. I hope that eventually the anarchic freedom the technology provides will be balanced by order, but not of the same type the old regime forced upon us. I hope that the free exchange of information afforded us by technology will eventually put the power of music recommendation back in the hands of real music lovers, and take it out of the hands of big corporations with monetary agendas which have nothing to do with music. I think that is beginning to happen now, but it is very fragmented. Many people don't know where to go to find new music anymore.

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

Shiny, shiny, shiny boots of leather.