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'd say I've had two definiing moments... First, when I saw my very first concert as a kid it was a transforming experience. I saw Judas Priest and was mesmerized when the stage was filled with fog & singer/frontman Rob Halford rode out onto the stage on his Harley. I couldn't believe the energy and raw power of that moment. It was so awesome! Then, years later as a performer myself, I was playing a cancer benefit at a Saks Fifth Avenue department store of all places. A friend who had worked with me in television finally got to see me in a different light: as a rocker. She said I looked happier and more at ease than she had ever seen me... And soon after, I realized that I needed to take my music off the back burner and move it upfront in my life. I've never looked back since!
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your
favorites?
I'm actually a TV- and movie-aholic most of the time when I'm not creating music! But I like a lot of different music. I'm a big fan of The Killers and The Bravery. I enjoy indie powersound groups like The Sounds or Ra Ra Riot. I really love the new stuff Billy Corgan is doing with his latest version of the Smashing Pumpkins. That sometimes puts me in a 90s mood to go seek out old Garbage, Gin Blossoms, or Third Eye Blind. On the powerpop side, I really like All-American Rejects, and then newcomers like Neon Trees and Hey Monday. Lately I've really been enjoying the brand new material from The Cars.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or
live?
Well, I'm pleased with the reception I've received with my first EP 'Hold On Till Heaven.' Although I don't feel I've managed to record any song yet exactly as I hear it in my head, that's still what I'm striving for. But I like some of the results on this CD, especially with the tracks "Hold On Till Heaven" and "Lost In A Touch." My greatest moment live always comes whenever I do my cover of Billy Idol's "Rebel Yell." That always brings down the house!
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?
How much can music influence current events?
I definitely believe music can change the world. It can change a mood, change an attitude, formulate opinions and ideas....all through a series of notes and calculated sounds. That's pretty powerful when you get right down to it. Recently at SXSW Boomtown Rats legend Sir Bob Geldof alluded to the recent uprising in Egypt being rooted in the rebellion that is rock -n- roll. Music is really a natural reflection of the human condition....on so many levels.
We live in a world of neverending compromises... Politicians are nothing but professional
compromisers. Corporate America is one, big, giant compromise. The spirit of Indie Rock is to never compromise. Ever. And I love that! That's the spirit of art, and that is me.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected
your career as a musician?
Technology has clearly turned the music industry upside down, almost in the blink of an eye. What was true yesterday may no longer be true today. That's just the reality of the industry. It has been in a state of flux for quite some time now, and I think a lot of people wish things would just stabilize so they could build a firm footing. But you have to deal with the situation as it is, not as you wish it were, and it's definitely an industry full of change. While the traditional labels may be cursing all this change, it has allowed indie bands to build their own revolution, and I'm no exception. In just a few short months, I've been able to use all the technological advances with the internet to send my music out into the world, literally. I now have fans in more than 35 countries, and of course, we're still growing. We haven't even started a support tour anywhere yet. That's building a very non-traditional fanbase, for sure. But technology lit the fuse of today's Indie Revolution...and the explosion continues everyday. I'm happy to be a part of that.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of
shoes would you be?
I'm glad you asked that, Barbara...haha I would definitely be a pair of steel-toed black leather motorcycle boots. Is there anything else more Rock -n- Roll?! That's me for sure! In fact, I already wear those boots onstage. So go get a pair and break me in!
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