SIMPLY SIX: Luke Parkin

Luke Parkin is a singer/songwriter from Massachusetts.  He's recorded over 70 albums and he's just turned 30.  

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. as an eight year old, seeing and hearing the historic 1986 broadcast of Pianist legend Vladimir Horowitz in Moscow. My father said, "do you remember asking me who is the greatest pianist in the world? (pointing to the television) well that's the one." 

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

I try to limit my exposure to over listening for fear that I'll be drawn to far into any particular sound but when I do listen: (and usually read along if I can) The Staples: Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, The Poets: Chopin, Liszt,  Scriabin, The Impressionists, The Second Viennese school, Stravinsky, Messaien etc. too many to name. also lots of pop these days. I'm trying to educate myself in pop music!

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

I tend to think of a series of greater moments as opposed to a penultimate moment or “the” defining moment. Music is fleeting and if not for time passing there would be no cadence, no moving line, no measure, no tune. Sound is not stationary. When you reach for a note or find a perfect sonority and finally grab hold of it, that’s when you say…Eureka! 

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

Artists are not soldiers. We do not use violins, guitars, pianos, or turntables as bullets, surface to air missiles or reconnaissance aircraft. We do not stand in front of tanks, light ourselves on fire, fly airplanes into buildings, tear-down countries, or rebuild nations. We are not terrorists. The shock and awe we make is on proscenium, a written page, or in the recording booth. In November of 2009, Pope Benedict XVI’s Address to Artists was called “You Are the Custodians of Beauty.”  At the moment we're in the midst of a vast cultural upheaval so as an artist, I think it best to have a little bit of simplicity in your soul.

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

Technology revolutionized sound before the record business decided to homogenize it. The effects are everlasting. It’s a shame that we’re going backwards and not forwards in terms fidelity with regard to formats and compression. Mp3 takes away precious parts of the spectrum. Ipods and iphones (both of which I own and use) are great for consumers and not so great for audiophiles.

Electronic music introduced me to another universe. Up until 8 years ago instrumental Classical music was the only thing in my tiny orbit. Because of what I learned (and the extrodinary teachers who taught me) I was ushered into the studio tradition and parts of experimental tradition (formerly avant –garde, now a dirty word)  

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

Rock and Republic designed a boot called Ignacio which I love. It's elegant, moody, and very prim.