SIMPLY SIX: Dean & Britta

This Simply Six if from Britta from the duo Dean & Britta.

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?

Britta: When I first sang alone in my car at 16.

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

Britta: Ennio Morricone, The Velvet Underground, Jonathan Richman, New Order,
The Crystal Stilts, The Beach Boys

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

Britta: Our album "L'Avventura" is something I'm very proud of...
as for a live performance, I'd have to say performing "13 Most Beautiful... song for Andy Warhol's Screen Tests" at the Allen Room in NYC with Lou Reed in the audience.

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

Britta: Everything changes the world. Music definitely changes my world. I think music is personal, though, so I don't see how it influence "events." But personal change... people becoming more fully human -- full of joy, empathy, the mystery of life -- that can change the way people approach life and other human beings. I hope that it makes them less susceptible to the politics of fear.

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

Britta: People don't buy CDs anymore. This is putting the big record labels out of business - which is only a good thing! - but I think that music will become like poetry in the future. No way to make a living. People will just do it for love/fun. We don't make money selling CDs anymore, so we have to do other things. Currently, we were commissioned by The Andy Warhol Museum to write and perform music for 13 of his "Screen Tests" (silent black & white portraits shot on Bolex film shot in the mid-60s at his Silver Factory). We're been touring with that for the past year. Dean also wrote a book, "Black Postcards," and I do voiceovers for a couple of shows on Adult Swim (Moral Orel and a new show which has not yet aired called "Frankenhole").

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

Britta: Black leather boots (think Bardot in the late '60s)