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 a friend handed me the lyric booklet to a Pink Floyd album. I fell deeply into the lyrics and realized how profoundly and completely one could express oneself through song.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
I tend to listen to chill music or dance music. I love to make itunes genius mixes with a Portishead or Massive Attack song, those always come out great. I love Florence and the Machine and Glasser these days. Sometimes café style music like Feist. I listen to anything KCRW puts on the air.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
When I receive beautiful letters from fans telling me about their lives and letting me know that we have connected. That means everything to me. I think isolation is the worst thing in the world, and if I can be there for someone I feel that my life and music has purpose. I also love that moment during a live show when I feel that all of us in the room are one.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
Music, the human voice, is the greatest and most powerful healing instrument that we have. Shamans use it all the time or any group that chants or sings. It literally transcends language itself. You don't even need to understand the words to connect to the emotions of a singer. And that connection is the healing. Recently, the tragedy in Norway reminded me of this. A piece on KCRW reported the top 3 songs playing in Norway to help in the healing of the country. Each song brought me to tears though I did not understand a word. I just listened and joined with their hearts and supported their healing.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
Technology is the most powerful energy source we must grapple with today. It will likely save the music industry even as it has humbled it. An artist can self produce, self distribute and self promote—all independently. And that is how I have released my current album and how I find my fans. Social media is changing music as well as the entire world. I would not be able to sing without technology. I use hearing aids and ear monitors and computers and protools and video projectors to make my live show work. My band is entirely machine, except for my grand piano. This is the central subject matter of my current album, "Tinged With Machine", produced by Bruce Somers of Kidneythieves. I suggest that we need to form a relationship with technology that is conscious. If we do, technology can help us become super communicators. If we are not careful, it can lead us into isolation and pseudo connection. Not even to mention that the age of the machine is predicted to begin in 30 years. Two great resources to read are Ray Kurzweil and Vernor Vinge. And of course, check out my title track, "Tinged With Machine", and its video on You Tube shot by Hisham Abed (The Hills, MTV).
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
Shiny patent leather platform boots. They even feature in my current album, track 5: "Lick My Boots".
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