SIMPLY SIX: Chris Daniels

Chris Daniels is a singer/songwriter from Denver, Colorado.

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?

"Yes, it was the movie The Last Waltz. Rick Danko walks up to the mic and sings "See the Man With The Stage Fright" and he has the very shaky voice and it is not pretty -- but his conviction -- his ability to have no fear -- the power of his belief in the song with no apology for his funny sounding voice -- well it changed me in my belief about my own singing -- that I could do that -- that all you have to do is believe in yourself." C Daniels

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

"My favorites change. Right now it is a duo called 'The Weepies' who are doing some of the best songwriting -- they are just fantastic. Also Bela Fleck's Africa album and the new Sam Bush CD." C Daniels

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

"Wow, interesting question -- biggest crowd was 450,000 at Parkpop in Holland -- but greatest moment -- sometimes the greatest moment is in overcoming a bad gig -- in feeling the band rise above the bad PA or feeling myself working to rise above all the crap that is going on with my wife and I and the emotional destruction from a long painful time to put that pain into the song I'm singing or the solo I'm playing -- those are the great moments when you fight to get into the moment and you achieve it." c Daniels

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

"That is easy, just think of Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit." That song is so powerful and was part of the movement to end lynching in the South ... that's what music can do." C Daniels



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

"Yes, And it's a great thing. Musicians used to believe that they could just hand over their lives to a manger who would take care of them. It was paternalistic....'of take care of me.' and that is such crap. Now, artists MUST get involved in the process of making their music available and known by the public ... and that is great ... and the labels that used to control the music are now not even relevant except for the giant Jonas Brothers corporate music bands. The musicians, like the Randolph family, are getting a chance to be known -- and that is magic." C Daniels

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

"Old, very comfortable tennis shoes. The shoes you put on when you don't give a shit what anybody thinks of how you look. The shoes that you put on when you are safe, home and happy. The shoes that make your feet feel good and make you want to dance in your kitchen with your favorite drink as you cook dinner for a true friend who loves you as you are."