SIMPLY SIX: John Michael

John Michael is the leader of the band MyNameIsJohnMichael from New Orleans.

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?

When I was ten years old, I wanted to be a professional athlete as many kids do. I was the smallest kid on the playground and my father informed me that small kids like myself don't make it as professional athletes. This crushed me frankly. He told me that there was something that I could do in which it didn't matter how tall you were. He bought me a guitar and I haven't stopped playing music since. 

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

People are often surprised to see me at a Jay Electronica show or to see me tweeting from the Grand Ole Opry. I love all types of music. As a matter of fact, I'm a music junkie. I've been recently listening to New Orleans bounce artists such as Big Freedia and DJ Jubilee(if you don't know what this is, you should find out), "Blood and Chocolate" by Elvis Costello, The National, Delta Spirit, Dolly Parton, Lee Dorsey, Irma Thomas, Debussy, etc. I dunno. I really love a lot of music. 

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

I think there are a few: 

a) the 52 project where I wrote, recorded, and released a song a week for all of 2008. It's the thing that started this band. I'm forever indebted to that experience. 

b)I think our next record that we are recording in June is going to be the high-water mark for us on record. 

c)Live??? It's a pleasure to share the stage with these guys every night. They truly are a magical bunch. I particularly love our experiences in NYC. 

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

I think that music can change a person's life as an individual. I think music can create ideas and idealism amongst people. That said idealism may not translate into actual results or change. The 60s taught us that. To say that music could create world peace is a bit ludicrous. It can propose the idea. I just want music to effect people the way it did for me, ya know?

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

Without technology, we wouldn't exist. Plain and simple. We were born out of a web project where we used Pro Tools, etc. That being said, I like the sound of vinyl records and the sound of analog tape in a studio. Nonetheless, I'm not going to go on a rant about how the internet and piracy has ruined music because it hasn't. Music is fine. The business of music is a bit strange right now, but just as the cassette tape didn't "kill music", neither will the web. Technology is essential to us. It's what we stemmed from.

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

I like this question. I would hope to be a pair of brown wingtips or penny loafers. I wear these shoes more than any other; and hopefully, I, like them, will never go out of style.