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 in Fourth Grade on a Sunday me and some friends watched a Sunday Matinee Movie called “A Hard Days Night” starring the Beatles. I found myself riveted to it. I was blown away by the bands music, charisma, wit and personal charm. I could sense from that young age that there was something very special that I was watching. A group of people, The Beatles, almost at the height of their careers having a huge impact on world culture that can still be seen and felt today. I knew I wanted to be apart of that too somehow.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
I enjoy the sounds and musical styles of Andrew Bird, St. Vincent, Elliott Smith, Eddie Vedder and Neko Case. I like Hank Williams, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell for the songwriting. Cole Porter and Igor Stravinsky for the amazing arrangements and tone color. Kurt Cobain and B.B. King for the powerful emotion in their work. I really enjoy the work of most British groups over the years.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
I think the song “A Survivor” from my new CD “Child Indigo” is a real accomplishment for me personally. The song places someone (probably me) in a backyard or something observing their surroundings and trying to come to grips with what it means to have survived a terrible disease, like cancer. I think that the writing and performance of the song is completely authentic to some of the questions I’m facing in my life now. The response by audiences has been overwhelming.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
I believe that music has a profound effect on the world and culture. Ultimately music stimulates peoples thoughts and emotions. It can change the way people look at themselves and the environment around them. It can be a catalyst for positive or negative trends. For instance. Many scholarly people believe that The Beatles played a key role in the break-up of the Soviet Union. It was illegal to listen to Western music in the USSR, people went underground to make and exchange bootlegs of Beatle music and posters. They even went so far as to play their music at numerous underground locations. This grew into a huge thing by the 1980’s, the vast majority of Soviets were listening to the Beatles, even Gorbachev. The walls came done. Peace , love & understanding via The Beatles triumphed.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
I think the technology has really killed the old music business models as far as the mega-media Record companies go. There’s less money, so they can take fewer, if any chances. I think the technology has helped make it easier for someone like me to not only create better music but to reach a lot of people with my music that I wouldn’t have otherwise been able to.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
A pair of medium-healed slippers with Mountain-climbing tread on the bottom.
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