Simply Six: Derek Bishop

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? Yes, I had my defining moment — and it couldn’t be more gay.  But I also couldn’t own it more.  It was the movie Xanadu.  I know it’s the cheesiest movie — and some say pretty terrible. But I love it.  Say what you will about the film,  but the music is amazing.  Seeing this film as a younger fella -- it was essentially a long form music video  -- showed me an amazing spectrum of music (1940s meets 1980s..what’s not to love!) along with some pretty kick-ass special effects, costumes and choreography.  Let’s not forget ELO and Olivia... What a great combo!  When I saw this film I was spellbound.  I still remember it to this day. I was in a daze for weeks. It was a double shot of visual and sonic overload. Magic. That’s what I felt.  I wasn’t sure how — but I needed and wanted to claim some of that for myself.  I didn’t know then that claiming that magic for myself meant writing, singing, playing and designing... But I knew I had to create. And that is essentially what the move is about:  the need to create something that is yours — the dream you hold on to wanting to make happen. Now whether it’s a roller-disco or an album of songs from your heart, the message it the same: don’t give on on the dreams that gave you hope and promise and vitality.  And don’t be afraid to love cheese. 
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites? When I’m not creating music I am usually listening to either Butch Walker or Stevie Nicks.  Both of these artists are currently releasing amazing CDs — and the fact that they are both over 40 (and 60 in the later case!) is even more inspiring.  I think the current music climate puts way too much focus on youth.  The songs these artists are writing songs are smart, touching, timeless and bursting with zest and creativity — and the experience of life.   Plus both of these singer-songwriters know how to really create a great lyric, hook and rock it out.  It helps too  that they are are both intelligent singers and writers with a unique voice and a good sense of humor.  Plus, they are knock-out harmony singers.  When I cant get a good rehearsal in, I put on a mix of Butch and Stevie and sing along — to both the lead and the back ups... and I know that I am getting an amazing vocal practice in!

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?Thus far, I would have to say my greatest moment as an artist is my new CD “Resistance is Beautiful.”  It’s the album I always wanted to make, and  I was blessed that I had the material, the musicians, and the right frame of mind to make it when I did.  It would not have been possible for me to make this album 10  -- or even 5 -- years ago.  It’s a product of age and experience. When I listen to it, I know there’s not a false note on it (and by that I mean, both musically and emotionally.) I still listen to the tunes often— and I’m a huge fan of this CD.  I’m so proud of what I and my producer, Jay Braun, did with these songs, these stories and these sounds.  I am a very discerning music listener ... And I know these are good songs.  I want as many people to hear it as possible. And that makes me proud.
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 changed the world.  I don’t think any of us can even fathom what the world would be like if it weren’t for music.  Music is power ... Its a universal language.  Im not saying it’s going to stop wars from happening.  But music has the ability to bring people from all cultures, background and languages together...even if just for a few minutes — just for a song. How we harness this energy is up to us. It takes time and diligence and sacrifice to make change. But I do believe it is possible for music to have an influence over current events.
5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician? I love what technology has done for the music-creation aspect.   While I might write a song on the piano, it’s always been techy stuff that has helped me refine it.  As a kid, my father had a huge reel-to-reel recorder.  That where my genesis of sound layering and ideas came from.  Later on as a teen I had a cassette 4-track, and that allowed me to record, remember and harmonize with what I had created. Now the extension of that is GarageBand and all the many digital-computer platforms that allow us all to record multiple tracks and just extend the creative process.  It’s made it accessible and affordable to make our songs sound great —at home.  And that’s good.  For this last record, I was able to record harmony vocals at in my apartment at 2am — when the inspiration hit — and then bring them into the studio later to layer on top of what we had recorded.  It look a lot of the pressure off of certain aspects in the studio.  And it gave me the freedom to be able to harness an idea regardless of the time and location and make it a reality.  For any kind of artist, that option and ability is a gift.
6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be? Can I be a pair of miss-matched shoes? I think that would suit me, my music (and personality) best.  Part of me (right shoe) would be a wingtipped saddle oxford, and the left side would be a nice worn-in black leather boot.  I know I’d get a lot of weird looks — but I’d definitely be interesting — and very comfortable.