SIMPLY SIX: Dala

Dala is best friends Sheila Carabine and Amanda Walther from Canada, making beautiful music together.

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?

Amanda: There wasn't a specific moment when I suddenly knew I wanted to be a singer. I grew up singing with my family, so it's always been a part of my life.

Sheila: I knew I wanted to be a singer after going on tour with Tom Cochrane. It was our first cross-Canada tour, and I LOVED living out of a suitcase and playing for thousands of people every night.

Amanda: Um, that's a little far into our career for you to decide to be a singer. We had already released two albums at that point Sheila!

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

Sheila: I am currently listening to Fleet Foxes, Josh Ritter, The Arkells, Adam Crossley and Kathleen Edwards.

Amanda: I haven't taken Daniel Roth's new album 'Promised Land' out of my cd player since I bought it two months ago. But I always come back to Joni Mitchell's 'Blue'.

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

Amanda and Sheila: Newport, Newport and Newport! We just played the 50th Anniversary of the Newport Folk Festival (along with Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Neko Case, Fleet Foxes and Josh Ritter). We were asked to sing one song on the main stage, right before Arlo Guthrie's set. It was a truly life-changing experience!

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

Amanda: I think art,( and especially music) is always the voice of coming change. Artists say the things that haven't been said yet, even if those things are sometimes hard to hear.

Sheila: Listening to music may seem passive, but the listener is fully participating, giving meaning to what they hear. Nothing moves me the way that music does, and I know it has shaped the way I experience the world.

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

Amanda: Wow, that's the million dollar question. In our case, it made it possible for us to record our first two albums on a humble budget. Having access to a home studio gave us control over our art from day one, and the confidence to continue building a career.

Sheila: The internet is such a gift! We are in close contact with our fans online, and I think that keeps us grounded as people and as artists.

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

Amanda: Birkenstocks

Sheila: Something shiny