SIMPLY SIX: 8 Ball Aitken

8 Ball Aitken is a singer/songwriter from Australia.

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 used to work on a farm all week, then party all weekend. An Aboriginal elder was visiting my town, and we were talking on Sunday morning after he had been watching me play guitar all weekend. He sat me down and told me off sternly – ‘I will be really disappointed if I visit next year and see you still here drinking and smoking, just wasting your talent and your life away,”. That was the light bulb going on moment in my mind that made me pack my bags, grab my guitar, and hitch-hike south to the big city of Brisbane. It was a ‘time stands still’, life-changing experience. From that point on, I have stayed true, and followed my dream of making music and taking it out to the people.

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

The roots of blues, bluegrass and country music as well as The Allman Brothers Band, Daddy Cool
Tony Joe White & Neil Young.

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

‘Outback Booty Call’ is a song I wrote about regional romance and dating in the bush. I was touring in USA a few years back when I found out about the booty call phenomenon. I thought to myself, we have booty calls back in Australia, it is just that we have a lot further to travel between love interests because of our small population on a large island. This song is practically a documentary. You can see the clip at -- www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RYcXmuZqDY

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

I honestly believe that music can change the world. Songwriting is creative and can promote a positive outcome and cause listeners to take action. I have witnessed powerful movements start in peoples back yards first and then go on to great things. To me, a good song can bring light to the world whether it is played to twenty people in a bar or a million people on television.

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

I think that the access to affordable recording equipment for independent musicians and having the internet as a marketing tool has made it possible for more musicians and bands to find an audience than ever before. It is exciting times for me me, touring all over the world as an independent and making a living from playing music without a major record company running the show means freedom, fun and a career doing what I love to do the most... Play music.


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

Probably red crocodile (or alligator for USA) skin cowboy boots with 8 Ball inlays.

Interview: Michelle White

Michelle White is a singer/songwriter and the daughter of legendary Tony Joe White.

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?


Hearing a new song as a little girl, by my father in the mornings over coffee. He played very quietly, with an acoustic. And I loved that.
Also, Roberta Flack's voice singing "That's the Time I Feel Like Making Love".

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

I listen to everything...currently Van Morrison, the Rebirth Brass Band, Peter Gabriel's new tune, Pat McLaughlin, Mary J. Blige's version of ONE with U2, Backwater Blues by Irma Thomas, Tony Joe White's crazy new album, DEEP CUTS and I have been revisiting some Waylon and WIllie and Stevie Wonder... and Bebel Gilberto, Sinead O'Conner,..telepopmusic has a great song, Buckley, Jason Isbell, soundtrack from The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, ...peaches.

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

Playing The New Morning in Paris with my friends in the band, my cousin on guitar, and my Dad joining me...complete with a horn section from France. It was a perfect night.

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

Music changes everything. Music influences most of us every day. I think everything we say or do has an effect like a stone in a pond...rippling on and on- so what we create in music....does this in a profound way especially those artists who are listened to by the masses. I hope artists realize this...many I listen to are very aware of their effect. Just listening to Peter Gabrielle's song from Wall-E lifts my spirits and the molecules in my body.

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

Technology has given me quicker access to new music. Unfortunately it has all but stopped the income of small or middle ground artists like myself. Many of the greatest musicians and artists of my generation had to quit music as their full time job because there was not enough money generated due to the pirating of music. It is not in good shape and very disheartening. I wish that consumers understood that if they do not pay for their music, then many of the artists cannot continue doing music. Only the hugely successful and very young and willing to starve survive this industry right now.

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

I go barefoot.