Simply Six: Lilli Lewis

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?

Although the piano was my first love and friend, I think I became enamored with the idea of being a singer somewhere between two childhood obsessions: Jackson 5 and Ed McMahon's Start Search. If you were to fast forward a few years to the middle school me, the obsession became Anita Baker and Bobby McFerrin, and the attention shifted from being interested in "entertaining" to being mesmerized by the magic of voices. That's something I never outgrew.

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

Well, my all-time favorite music on the planet is probably the chamber music of Gabriel Faure, but I listen to a little of everything. I recently discovered Anais Mitchell's folk opera "Hadestown" which I love, and lately I've been hung up on Real World Records artist Daby Touré. I think there's just a beautiful haunting and grounded peace in his sound. I listen to Bach to organize my innards, I listen to artists like Ferron, The Indigo Girls, Odetta, and of course Nina Simone when I want to spread my wings a little and study the art of speaking your truth, I listen to Neil Young when I want to feel human, Tom Petty when I want to feel like a righteous dude, the classic ladies like Anita O'Day, Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan when I gotta get my inner swing track on. And a LOT of indie rock because I love witnessing people's infinite ability to self-express. 

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

I'm not sure there's anything I love more than making music on a stage with a bunch of people I love and admire, and over the years, there have just been too many glorious moments to pick a highlight. I can say that my favorite recording to date is my first a cappella album "Out From Yonder" (http://goo.gl/hTRC4) because it truly was a spontaneous and surprising endeavor. I was living at a Buddhist retreat center in Colorado where music didn't have much of a place in the community culture, so I was feeling kind of lonely and lost in that department. Then I finally asked my boss if they could arrange my schedule so that I could have one day a week to make music. Tuesday became my sacred day, and since I didn't really have any instruments with me, I ended up going back to the method I used as a kid (probably inspired by Bobby McFerrin by the way), overdubbing my own vocals to create layers of harmony and rhythm. My personal favorite track on the album was a cover of John Coltrane's "Alabama" which I ended up calling "incantation: flame." Another serendipitous story involving a 19 year old mystic named Bobby Elbers brought this rendering together. Bobby played the role McCoy Tyner in the recording, performing Zen Buddhist chants in the Tuvan throat singing style where Tyner's piano tremolos would have been. It was magic to me me.

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

I'm afraid I fall into the category of those who not only believe music *can* change the world, but it's actually the responsibility of those called to music to go about generating the change they wish to see in the world. Here's where I can easily slip into hippie talk meets quantum physics, yadda yadda. But the power of music to heal, to transform, to awaken, to enlighten! has been revealed over and over again, so I feel it should be self-evident at this point. 

The Greeks had an interesting approach when talked about music in terms of various levels of harmony: harmony of the heavens, of the world, of the body, music of the instruments, etc. The idea that anything that exists must do so because it is in harmony with the systems related to it. That's a pretty metaphysical observation that is mirrored in Eastern philosophy and religion as well, and I truly believe when it comes to the harmony or balance that we experience as human beings, that which we call "music" can very much assist in bring things that have fallen out of balance back in to "harmony." 

I think that changes from season to season. Sometimes that can be accomplished through the endeavors of "art for art's sake." But sometimes that means being a little more direct, and perhaps little more confrontational, whether you're Beethoven feverishly scratching Napoleon's name out of your heroic score, or Bob Marley standing up for the rights of the people. 

I'm completely with Jimi Hendrix who I'm told believed the vibrations of music could literally change the chemistry of the mind/body mechanism, and that the intention placed in the music is of utmost importance. Music can be used to make us stronger, more aware, more present, and can just as easily be used to distract and make us more complacent. For those who experience music as a "practiced" pursuit, and by that I'm referring to the hours upon hours musicians spend honing their craft, discovering possibilities, new layers of awareness, inflection, themselves and their own humanity, etc., it seems more often than not, the intention is for music to serve as an ennobling vehicle for liberation and progress.

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

I think it's safe to say technology has had a "double-edged" affect on musicians and the industry in which we work. It has certainly required that new business models be explored and employed, which ultimately I think will be a good thing. We're in transition now, and a lot of paradigms we used to take for granted have dissolved, leaving some coddled business people disillusioned, and a lot of artists struggling. I do believe the dust will settle on this within the decade, and we'll find a new equilibrium in which to settle ourselves.

For myself, technology has been wildly empowering. The fact that $2k can give me access to that which would have costed $20k only two decades ago means that I am allowed to be largely self-sufficient when it comes to creating music and presenting to the public. Given the current musical climate, I think I would have gone crazy without my iMac and MBox interface!

But here's where I turn a little hypo/hypercritical. The democratization brought on by the technology has changed the culture of music making and I'm not sure it's for the better. I don't know why, but I'm still holding on to music as a "practiced pursuit. I still expect the music makers to have studied, to understand basic principles of music from various traditions, to have put immeasurable amounts of blood, sweat, tears, and time into the study of their instruments, and to have done some soul-searching about their role in the world as a generator of musical content. I think the ease brought on by some of the current tools has diminished the time it takes to make "marketable" sounding music, and therefore has diminished the amount of time the music generator spends thinking about his or her intention. It in turn creates an industry that is more about cranking out new tracks to feed an insatiable consumer base than discovering something good that might actually "feed" the *people* they should be serving. Plus, innovations in data reporting structures and communications has made the executive's analysis of its "bottom line" more exacting and dehumanizing in a way that is negatively affecting musicians, venues, and media outlets alike. At the end of the day, it feels like the current climate callously and unapologetically cuts artistry out of the large-scale picture, which I think is unfortunate and dangerous for us all.

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

I'd be some kind of expensive hippie shoe, that may not look all that attractive at first, but you know I'm good for you, so you buy me anyway, and I grow on you, 'cause I take on your shape, and I make you feel awesome when you're out climbing mountains in the the wilderness.

Simply Six: Susan Picking

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 think back to when I was in elementary school and I loved vocal music. My favorite teacher was the teacher who had us sing everyday.   My mom took me to musicals and inside I thought I could do that, and would be fun.....and yet as a kid I studied piano and cello.

About 15 years ago in Long Beach CA, I was hitting some tennis balls with a 7 year old girl.  She sang a song for me on the court and told me she was taking voice lessons.  I got the name of her teacher and immediately started to study voice.  I was working as a flight attendant at that time, and could easily bring my voice along on my trips and practice singing on my layovers.  I would practice vocal exercises into my pillow in my hotel rooms.  As crazy as I knew it was, it was so energizing and fulfilling.  I continued private lessons and studied music at Long Beach City College.  It was at this point that it hit me. “ I realized it was my passion, when I could practice for hours in solitude in a college practice room and lose time and forget to eat.” At that moment It wasn’t about performing, it was connecting to my voice and my passion and realizing I’d found it,  both my voice and my passion. 

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


The    favorites list is sooooo long.  There is so much good music out there.  I love just about all genres from classical, to native ethnic, to any Americana, jazz, gospel R &B , hip hop to country. MY BIGGEST INFLUENCE IS  70’s folk rock.....Carole King, James Taylor, Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell, Tom Waits.  I also LOVE Willie Nelson and Ray Charles.  A few female jazz icons whom I adore are Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone.  Contemporary Artists that I listen to are Cassandra Wilson, Diana Krall, Norah Jones, Sarah McLachlan, John Mayer, BrandyCarlisle, Cheryl Crowe, Alison Krause, Jack Johnson, Ben Harper..... I love to hear anything live, and listen to a lot of local Just to name a few......

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


There have been a couple of pivotal moments in my career this past year that confirm that I’m heading in the right direction.  One was my first appearance on eightWest  WOOD TV 8, an NBC affiliate in Grand Rapids MI.  It opened a lot of doors for me in Grand Rapids when I first moved there.  People took me more seriously as an artist.  Another one was being selected as a Top 10 Summer CD release in Grand Rapids by John Sinkevics writer for the Grand Rapids Press.  In Live performance there are always moments of feeling deeply connected.  One was performing as a vocal soloist and played the Bodhran,  with the Santa Barbara Symphony Orchestra.  I performed a Traditional Gaelic Irish Tune with a Celtic group.  Another experience that was moving was having a Developmentally Disabled elderly man come up to me after a show and tell me that my performance raised his spirits.  That’s why I do it.

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


 Change starts from within on a singular individual basis. In other words, change happens when people change.  Societal or cultural  climate change occurs when collectively humans come together and create a shift.  Music can definitely influence a mood or a state of mind which can then influence change. Musicians and Artists are often at the forefront in leading this type of movement.  Historically musicians and artists have been visionaries who suggest different ideas and different ways of being through their art. Music can be inspirational and can inspire people to create change in their worlds.  It is also just something to listen to, if you are not open for change.  ;)

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


Technology has had a huge effect on the music industry.  From recording technology we have gone from very expensive studio recordings to DIY in home computer studio recordings making it affordable for all musicians. With DIY recording being so accessible to any musician......one does have to consider the varying expertise of this accessibility.  Technology has also made free music accessible corrupting the ability of musicians to make money off of their art, with piracy.  Technology has also made it accessible for the creative Indie Artist to make a living through various streams of social networking.  It has definitely assisted me through social networking to be able to reach larger audiences through the internet and social media.

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


I like making a statement while also being sensible.  I like a versatile shoe that is comfortable for the miles that I walk through life, as well as exhibits some personality of the wearer.  Ultimately I like it to have a lot of SOLE.  Chuck Taylor meets, Born, meets Manolo Blahnik, all with a reasonable price tag......DSW or Zappos.

Simply Six: Rahe

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, I would sneak out in the middle of the night to play Flamenco music with the gypsies in the streets of Sevilla. The passion and fire of the palmas, guitars, dancers, and wailing voices, the beautiful ancient versos passed down from generation to generation... it was all so magical to me. I remember a song by Spanish artist Antonio Flores that said “Oye, pero mira yo soy Flamenco, por mi vena yo lo siento” which translates to “Listen, I am Flamenco, I feel it flowing through my veins”. For these people, music is the essence of who they are as beings. The first time I sang those words I knew nothing would come between me and music, because in my veins, music runs thicker than blood. And in that moment, I knew my destiny was to pursue this path.

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

I listen to all kinds of music, everything from Jazz to Hip-hop, Afrobeat to Bossa nova, Soul and R&B to Singer-songwriters... so many styles. My very favorite stuff, though, usually falls into two categories: artists who are no longer with us or who come from other countries. Jazz legends like Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane really hit home for me, great singers like Nina Simone, Betty Carter, Otis Redding, and Ray Charles, and then there are my favorite Spanish artists like Joan Manuel Serrat and Concha Buika, Sara Tavares from Portugal, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 from Nigeria, Habib Kotié from Mali, as well as classic Brazilian artists like João Gilberto and Tom Jobim, Buena Vista Social Club and the Afro-Cuban All Stars (and anything Cuban, really), Jorge Drexler from Uruguay... and the list goes on. One of my recent discoveries and new favorites, who I just had the honor of meeting at the Globalquerque World Music Festival last month, is Nawal from the Comoros Islands - she is just stunning!

Music from the past and from foreign places is special to me because there is a whole different sensibility about it - it speaks to you on another level; digs deep into your core. To listen to it is almost like traveling to that other place or time in history and experiencing the hardships, the joys, the passion, and gaining an understanding of the unique perspective and identity of that certain country or period in time. 

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

When I held my CD, Out of the Box, in my hand for the first time - what a feeling! To have something concretely represent what you do, something you can point to and say "Wow, I did that!" - it feels like such an amazing accomplishment. And considering all the wonderful people involved, all the work and time and effort that went into the project… it's just a really special thing to have evidence of that collaboration, especially when it's something you are proud of. I feel such tremendous appreciation and joy every time I look at it.

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

Absolutely - I think music is the answer to peace in the world, the best means for creating harmony between people who are completely different from one another. Music lives inside the heart and soul of every person, no matter where they come from, what their beliefs are, what color their skin is, or how old they are. I’ve found, with all the traveling I’ve done throughout my life, that music is truly the universal language that unites all people of all walks of life. I’ve never experienced a more powerful force.

In terms of current events, I think music can be incredibly influential, because it hits you at another level – it feeds both the conscious and the subconscious mind, so it targets both your emotions and your intellect. It fuels the passion inside of you; makes tears flow, smiles linger, and bonds form. Music creates awareness of a very unique sort – which is why I chose to name my group illumiNation, because our purpose is to do just that – to illuminate; to bring consciousness and light into the world through our music. Look at the impact of artists like John Coltrane, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, John Lee Hooker, Bob Dylan, John Lennon – artists like these have shined a light on the issues of racism, sexism, war, politics… you name it. Music, throughout history, has always played a key role in making this impact on the public, of waking us up and inspiring us to make a difference in whatever way we can.

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

I have a love-hate relationship with technology. I’m such an old soul, so I have a hard time dealing with the way technology interferes with little pleasures of life I hold so dear – namely, the face-to-face connection with other human beings. It can become a really unhealthy distraction, because ironically, being “plugged in” seems to result in people “checking out” completely. I find that creativity is often thwarted by it because, if you have the right kind of gadget at your disposal – voila! – everything can be done for you instantly at the push of a button. I have also noticed that people are less likely to make an effort to go see a show or search for an album because they can easily download it for free or check it out on YouTube instead. That human-to-human interaction, the core of the musical experience, is lost. I find that part so heartbreaking, because that, to me, is where the magic happens. But I do also see the value that technology gives us in terms of connecting with people all across the globe, and being able to share my music with people I would never have contact with any other way is truly a beautiful thing.

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

High-Heeled Sneakers. Hands down.

Simply Six: Deborah Crooks

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?below. Thanks much, Deborah

DC: That would be driving across the country, back to California, shortly after my great Aunt died about 13-14 years ago. I had gone through a hard break-up, and then watched one of my early artistic mentors — she was an amazing woman who was born at the turn of the (last) century, been a nurse in WWII before becoming a visual artists. She also survived two husbands (and a lot else) and lived to be 100, while maintaing her faith, creative vision and integrity! I told myself I would always strive to stay connected to the muse...and to heed it!

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?
DC: I'm kind of eclectic. My songwriter friends, The Decemberists, Bjork, Sarah Siskind, Wilco, Nina Simone, instrumental jazz, classical Indian music ...and sometimes (usually while driving) good old pop ala Katy Perry 

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
DC: One moment? Yikes. There are good moments mid-performance that you live for. On record, I like my performance of 'Joy' from the It's All Up to You' EP (March 2010)

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?
DC: I think music is a big healer. IT creates community, joy and sound and vibration can have a profound effect both on the physical body and the mind. A music teacher just recommended the book "This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession" by Daniel Levitin that I'm hoping to pick up soon. Past that, musicians can be hugely influential. Look at Bono! Whatever you may think of him, I think he's a great example of putting his influence too good use toward change.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?
DC: Anyone in the world can find and listen to my music if they like, whether I come to their country or not provided they have Internet access! That's huge. I can also collaborate easily with others without flying to another studio. I can record anywhere and share it. Tech has broken down many, many boundaries.

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
DC: Hmm. Hopefully, something comfortable, funky and stylish with at least a little heel...and red. Since I was little, I've had a thing for Red shoes. A shoemaker I know turned me onto Fluevogs, so perhaps these Red Fluevog 'Glides"

Simply Six:Marilyn Carino

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?

It was when I was working as a sound engineer and having to autotune and create walls of sound to mask people who were pretty bad.  They all had record deals.  I just got fed up and thought, hey I really love music and I bet I could actually sing and write better than these people.  I’m only half kidding, I think the spark of me going from fanatic music listener to fanatic writer was just plain arrogance. But it had to grow from there, because I knew I wasn’t very good at first, but I really wanted to get better, be great.  I worked really hard.

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

I have really been digging on and studying the blues, I love Lightnin’ Hopkins, Louisiana Red, mostly Delta music. I’m interested in distilling things down to one essence, to have it be rich and pure and fearless as those people.  I love great singers, Cat Power's covers record, actually someone recently turned me on to a record that Kiki Dee (yes) made a few years ago which sounds great, she sings her ass off! Nina Simone is one of my muses, she was a mad goddess, just a wild genius.  I don’t really enjoy “pleasant” music

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

After a show in Helsinki people came up to me with tears in their eyes, they were so moved by the music.  That was the first time I thought, hey maybe you’re doing something right here!

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

Well, it’s pretty obvious that it has changed the world.  From protest songs to campfire singalongs, music is a deep force in human behavior.  Like anything else it can be used for good or ill – most popular music now is just a commercial for itself, a tool of commerce, engineered to manipulate people into buying things rather than cultivate a spirit of independent thought and feeling.  They have formulas for beats per minute and certain keys that influence the endorphins, I know, I was an engineer.  Its corporate mind control.

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

Its only been a good thing.  I love technology.  I can’t wait to have my hologram studio in my hover house with my flying Jetsons car! But really, I love nothing more than to hermit out in my studio tweaking sounds and knobs and just digging on what’s possible and all the little accidents that make you stop and go, I don’t know how I got to this but its PERFECT.  That creative independence is what I live for.  I never had fun explaining what I was going for with other engineers, I’d get way too impatient, always thinking about how much it was costing.  Little Genius was completed 100% by me alone, and I am really pleased and proud of what I was able to do.  Next record will be even better and more fun, because I learned so much.

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

Oh girl, you know it’s a pair of black Prada pointy-toe 3-1/2-inch pumps.  Classic, a little scary, but not too sky-high so I can get my chop-socky on if I have to.  Fierceness is a virtue.

Simply Six: Sheri Miller

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 have a feeling if I was alive when The Beatles were on the Ed Sullivan show, I would’ve been convinced in one heartbeat, one split second flat, I wanted to sing, and write songs.  How could you not, it’s the Beatles?

For me, I can’t recall one specific thrilling, defining moment, but I’ve been writing songs since I first sat on a piano bench at age 6/7.  Making up songs always felt as natural to me as feeling the wind on my neck, or swimming in the ocean.  It feels like it’s been born with me, as part of nature.  My nature.

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

your favorites?

Aaah, great question.  The Beatles.  Beach Boys.  Wings.  Nina Simone.  Ella Fitzgerald.  Etta James.  Paul Simon.  Tom Waits.  Joni Mitchell.  Ricki Lee Jones.  Jimi Hendrix.  Glenn Gould.  Bach.  Tchaikovsky.  John Coltrane.  Bob Dylan.  Elvis Costello.  Leonard Cohen.  Adele.   Raphael Saadiq.  Stevie Wonder. 

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

When you play a song live, and people have told you the cried. Or written me they’ve cried from listening to a recording.  I once read a Rickie Lee Jones interview, and she said something to the effect of “the point of making music is to make people cry; and to make yourself cry.”  I think that’s a beautiful way of putting it.

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?

How much can music influence current events?

Absolutely!  Music has changed the world since the first note rang clear through the treetops.  Bob Dylan in the ‘60’s with “Blowin’ In The Wind” influenced masses of teenagers to support the peace movement.  So many civil rights songs, from Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” to gospel spirituals, inspired and gave strength to busloads of Civil Rights activists who found deep sources of courage to risk their lives, and ride through the dangerous South to protest the Jim Crow laws. They changed the world.  Music has lifted people up, told our stories, and changed our world since the beginning of time.  I think it’s an honor and privilege to be part of the musical tradition and legacy in any form.

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

Wow.  Loaded question.  Technology, in essence, has revoked the power from the record companies and massive terrestrial radio stations, and given the power back to the listeners, the people themselves, the musicians, at the very source.  Anyone can post a song on the internet.  Anyone can be heard. It’s a double-edged and a blessing. I love the new technology. It’s a true musical democracy.  Amen.

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

Barbara, I dig it.  I would be a flashy, sparkly 3 inch pair of sexy hot smokin’ high heeled puppies.  You could walk in me, but never walk all over me.  I’d make you feel something.   Something good.  Watch me comin’, now.  I got some sole! 

http://www.sherimiller.com/
http://www.facebook.com/sherimillermusic

SIMPLY SIX: Kelly Harper

Kelly Harper is a singer/songwriter from

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?

My defining moment was sitting in a restaurant in NYC, I was writing in my notebook and it just hit me that this was what I wanted to do, along with when I was younger listening to the artist "Jewel" and other songwriters I admired. 

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

My range is so diverse. I listen to classical, jazz, inspirational,  pop, rap. I am into listening to Nina Simone, Lily Allen, andTori Amos right now, some of my new songs are reflecting a bit of a jazz vibe with still being pop.

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

I would say being able to record and write recently with Christopher Ward, he wrote Black Velvet with A. Myles

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

Of course music and change the world for sure, Music is such a huge influence to people. Music can influence current events so much, especially if the music is talking about things that are not good for kids to listen to. Hence; the rise in suicide, depression, drugs, and rebellion. We are the people kids/teenager/people look up to, we need to set a good example.

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

Music has changed sooooooo much, some for the better, and some for the worse. It has affected it in a bad way, because the record stores are out of business almost and people aren't buying music like they used to, so we are having to come up with other ways to make music and brand yourself.

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

               I would be a pair of "Chloe's" love her shoes they fit my very well. 

SIMPLY SIX: Heinali

Heinali is a musician from Kiev, Ukraine.

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?

No, it was quite spontaneous, and I'm a terrible singer by the way.

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

I love music. Have favorites in almost every genre and style. Ok, just picking up 10 randomly: Max Richter, Burial, John Coltrane, Philip Glass, Coil, Explosions in the Sky,

Sisters of Mercy, Rachmaninov, My Bloody Valentine, Biosphere... oh, let it be 20: Dalek, Nils Peter Molvar, Olafur Arnalds, Covenant, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, The Doors,

Jimi Hendrix, Jean Michelle Jarre, Schiller.

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

I believe I don't have one.

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

You are the one to decide. For some people it's only something they listen to, and for some people it's something that changes their world. Attitude to the music changed dramaticaly in the last decade. Mostly because of the commercialised music industry, which raised generations of people listening to succesful business models, not music. Looks like, mostly, for the most of young people music is no longer is the great act of art, it's just something they are listening to in backgorund to their daily routine. Getting the new album of your favorite band isn't so exciting nowadays - everybody downloads tons of music, everybody has quite a music collection on the hard drive and have access basicaly to almost every music piece ever done. And it's not a bad thing, it's quite controversial. Music itself is great and extremely powerful when it comes to influence. There's no problem with music, but with people. I think music is like love. It's very powerful, abstract and transformational, if you are opening yourself to it. Let yourself listen with every cell of your body. "If I should ever die, God forbid, let this be my epitaph: The only proof he needed for the existence of God was music." Kurt Vonnegut

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

It opened it up. Everybody can compose music now and get heard online. You don't need no music education, don't have to play any instruments, don't have to spend money to book a studio. Here is it, your studio, your label and your audience, inside your bedroom laptop. And it's great I think. Of course it brought lots of difficulties, like, there's tons of new music now, everybody is musician, music is depreciated, it's became hard to get heard. But what a great possibility for self-expression and creativity! And it affected me directly. I started it this way, as a bedroom composer.

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

I love barefoot.

SIMPLY SIX: Sarah Tolar

Sarah Tolar is a jazz/folk singer 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?

My parents had a steady gig at a local hotel where I grew-up in Colorado. I remember going to hear them and sitting-in when I was 5 years old. I sang "Hey Good Lookin," a Hank Williams song. That moment felt so real and true and I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

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

It changes every week! This week I'm into Wilco, Nina Simone, and a CD of traditional French folk songs a friend gave me. I can't understand a word but its the most beautiful thing I have ever heard!

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

Opening for Christopher Cross at the Birchmere near Washington D.C. Christopher's audience was incredibly open and willing to fall in love with new music.

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

I absolutely believe that music can change the world! It changes our human experience everyday. Music is the only universal language. It can heal the depest wounds, breakthrough the hardest walls, and unite us like nothing else.

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

I feel so lucky that I am able to have people in other parts of the world hear my music in an instant thanks to internet music sites like MySpace and iTunes. I am also lucky that I have access to a ton of artists and different kinds of music. And in regards to recording, we can all make records in our basement now! Again, lucky us to share our music so easily.

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

Wow, a question so close to my heart! I would be a good-lookin' pair of cowboy boots: comfortable but sexy and super sassy.

SIMPLY SIX: Theresa Andersson

I just posted her video yesterday and today I get her answers to the Simply Six. Put simply Theresa Andersson is one of my favorite performers. And if you ever get a chance to see her live make it a point to go. She puts on one of the best live shows I've seen.

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 think I've always known that I wanted music to play a major role in my life. At the age of 7 one of my friends entered a talent contest and I felt deeply jealous because I didn't know about it and had to wait another year to sign up.

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

Nina Simone, Duke Ellington, Air, Aphex Twins and Wildbirds and Peacedrums at the moment.

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

My most recent record "Hummingbird, Go!" really feels like an artistic arrival for me.

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

Well I think music can have a theraputic and inspiring quality. We all listen to music in a different way, so I can only speak for myself. I cannot imagine a world without music. I do like movies that are quiet though ( must be my Strindberg influence).
I once bought an iPod because of the song in the commercial.....

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

If by technology you mean the Internet I say it's been fantastic! Sites such as YouTube makes it possible for the independent artist to showcase her stuff without first bring judged by a small panel. It let's the people decide. And THAT is a beautiful thing.

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

A comfortable yet stylish shoe made out of high quality leather. I would be made for walking. I would be hugging the foot of my bearer and supporting her weight putting a spring in her step.
My color would be chocolate.