SImply SIx: Brett Ryan Stewart

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 sucha defining moment for you?

Absolutely. It was upon adopting my older brother's vinyl collection when I was about 12 years old. The first time I spun Neil Young's Harvest I was sold. I also discovered The Who, Pearl Jam, and Simon & Garfunkel around this time, and that sealed the deal.

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

It's a really vast canvas for me. I go from Leonard Cohen, to Tool, to Elliot Smith, to Mozart. Throw a little Sinatra in there and we've got ourselves a party!

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

Every time I get an email from someone who tells me my song brought them to tears, or inspired them, or simply gave them peace. That's what it's all about. The rest is details.

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

It's both. My preference leans towards to the former. Not to say that the lighthearted tunes don't have their place, but I tend to connect more with the stuff that gets down to your core. I believe it can change the world. But I'm not talking about topical, "start a revolution" kind of music. That's fine too, but real change comes from within, not without. So for me, when a song cuts through to your very being, extracting your demons and presenting them before you, fully exposed in the light where they can't survive... that's when it changes the world.

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

This has obviously been a hot topic for a few years now. Just like a hammer, you can use it to build or destruct. The choice is in the beholder. 

I'm hopeful that we'll continue to progress towards proper and fair use of emerging technologies. I learned to embrace it a long while back. With this new album, "Tilt" we decided to only sell and promote it online. As a result we're able to reach our audience across the globe, to places we might have never gotten to tour!

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

Stilts.