SIMPLY SIX: Family of the Year

Family of the Year is a group from California. They are

Vanessa Jeanne Long - Vocals
Joe Beaulieu Keefe - Vocals, Guitar
Sebastian Keefe - Drums, Guitar
James Buckey - Guitar
Christina Schroeter - Keys
Brent Freaney - Bass

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?

Joe: The moment for me was when I heard the guitar break in Peggy Sue by Buddy Holly. That's when I asked my dad to show it to me on the guitar. I was probably like 8.

Seb: The first time I knew I wanted to be a musician was when I was homesick from school one day, and my sister's CD player was out. In it was led Zeppelin IV and I listened to "Rock and Roll" for hours.

Vanessa: Mine was when i got a karaoke machine in 2nd grade. There were five songs on it, including "Nine to Five" by Dolly Parton and "Conga" by Gloria Estefan, but the one that really made sense was "The Words Get in the Way" also by Gloria Estefan. I was in love with my best friendKeith and it just really related to me.

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

Well we listen to a lot of Top 40 and talk radio. NPR, AM640, Fleetwood Mac, Taylor Swift, Jay Z, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Beyonce... And we've recently gotten into podcasts and we're kind of addicted.

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

Opening for Ben Folds and the Boston Pops at Symphony Hall in Boston was probably the most amazing moment we've had as a band. It was only our fifth show or so, and we were so honored when Ben and Pops conductor Keith Lockhart handpicked us out of about 700 other bands.

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

Whoever is changing the world is probably pumped on some pretty good music.
Music can definitely bring people together, but a big part of music influencing current events probably depends on how much attention the media wants to give it.

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

Technology is kind of the reason we're able to do anything. All the music we've released was recorded in various apartments of ours or our old practice space on an old computer. We don't have a budget for a fancy studio or anything, not that you really need it these days. Where's The Sun and Songbook were both self-produced and mixed, and we're able to release all our music digitally on iTunes and Amazon with Tunecore.

As far as getting the word out, technology has helped us a lot there too. Myspace, Twitter, Facebook, and every other social network there is has allowed us to promote ourselves and keep in touch with fans. Now we're fumbling around with Google Wave and trying to see how we can use that to connect with people too.

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

Joe: barefoot
Seb: bright green Tivas
Brent: Clark Wallabys
Samesy: combat boots
Schrodes: tap shoes
Vanessa: many pairs of Jeffrey Campbell shoes