Gabe Hizer is a singer/songwriter from Nashville.
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. I was in summer camp around age 8, and being overweight at that time in my life, I was always bringing up the rear. However, on one particular hike I started to whistle a tune I knew and soon I was leading the pack, effortlessly! It was at that moment I realized the power that music had on me and that it would always be a big part of my life.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
I mostly listen to jazz radio, since it gives me fresh harmonic ideas that I don't get from pop. Of course I also like to keep up with country top 40, since I live in Nashville and do occasionally co-write with people aiming at pitching songs to those types of singers.
I'm a huge fan of Kurt Elling, the jazz singer who sounds like an instrument! What a range, too…
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
Completing my first CD and getting some wonderful, positive reviews from people I do not know was very gratifying!
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
Yes, definitely it can and has changed the world. From "We Shall Overcome" on. It can also influence current events by bringing attention and focus to pressing issues of the day, and showing how many people are behind a particular issue.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
Technology has totally transformed the music industry, both for the better and for the worse. I'm worried that the proliferation of illegal file sharing has so eaten into the pocketbooks of professional songwriters (who make no money from the artists' gigs and t-shirt sales) that they may be a dying breed. On the other hand, it has allowed bands and solo musicians to get their music out to the world at minimal expense, which is certainly very gratifying even if not particularly profitable!
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
Blue suede, baby!!
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