Simply Six: Tin Pan

Tin Pan are a group from New York.

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 5 years old my musical idol and uncle, David Mann, strapped a guitar on me and gently placed my fingers into the shape of an A Major chord.  Upon hitting that chord I realized I had taken my 1st step into a larger world.

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

I like orchestral music & string quartets a lot.   I tend to be most into Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, Schubert, Mahler, Stravinsky, Schoenberg, & Wagner.  Like myself they were all 5ft. 6in. tall.  Solidarity, baby!!!

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

I honestly have no idea.  I really don't think about it in those terms.  I did have an amazing 1968 Rioja once that brought tears to my eyes.  Meeting Jimmy Page was pretty damn cool too.

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

People make music.  People change things.  They go hand in hand...I really don't know how to answer this.

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

Musicians easily find an overwhelming amount of material to draw from but technology has not improved musicians per se.  You still have to put the time in and do the work if you are going to be a musician.  

Performers on the other hand have been greatly benefited by technology.  Emancipation from the needs of "hitting the right notes" & "conveying a story" make performance much easier.

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

The type that Barbara Walters would never see