Friday, January 28, 2011

Simply Six: Traum Diggs

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?
    I would say the first time I saw Run-DMC on TV I knew that I wanted to do whatever they were doing.  I couldn't be more than 5-6 but I knew that I wanted   to be just like them.
   
 
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?
I'm a real 70s and Early 80s soul music junkie! Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, Jackson 5, Teddy Pendergrass, Donny Hathaway, The Stylistics, The O'Jays, The ChiLites, Earth, Wind and Fire, The Gap Band, The Spinners, Teena Marie, Rick James, Smokey, on and on! If I'm not listening to that it's classic hip-hop or reggae. 
 

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
   I recorded a tribute to Michael Jackson called "Mike Jackin' 4 Beats" which I believe is my greatest lyrical performance on record to date.  I also performed two shows in one night once.  A show with my band in Manhattan and then opened for Talib Kweli at a venue in Brooklyn.  That was the best feeling I have had as an artist thus far. 

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?
   Music has provided the backdrop to many a movement.  If you are unfamiliar with the state of the world in a particular time or place just listen to the music and you will know.  There is no question that music can change and influence the world. How many Vietnam War protesters do you think were influenced by Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On". 

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?
     Technology has affected and will continue to affect the music industry.  From 45s and vinyl to 8 tracks to cassettes to CDs, to mp3s, the landscape of how music is packaged and delivered to the consumer has changed.  As far as the artist is concerned, the technology of today gives the unsigned or never before heard artist an almost even playing ground with the major label artist. If you have a clever or simply rediculous presentation you have a chance to "go viral" and reach millions of people online.  In my career specifically, technology has been essential.  The mere fact that I am doing this interview is the result of the technology that we now have at our disposal.  As a result of the Internet, I have been able to connect globally with folks who would never have access to me or my music 10 years ago.  So although it has created a great deal of absolutely horrible content, it is somewhat of a necessary evil.     

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
        I am definitely a pair of Gortex! Rugged, waterproof, dexterous and stylish all at the same time.  And very New York!

1 comment:

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