Simply Six: Heartour

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 think back there was a moment when I was 10 years old that
really lit the music spark.
My friends dad had a drum set and U2's Rattle and Hum documentary on
VHS.  I instantly became an obsessed U2 fan and that lasted for about
the next 15 years.  In that moment I also found my calling as a rock
musician and that drum set eventually became my first kit.

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

I have a lot of favorites.  The two biggest influences and artists I
have seen live more than any other are Phish & U2.  I also really like
a lot of the younger bands and my current favorites from the new
school are LCD Soundsystem, My Morning Jacket and Death Cab for Cutie
to name a few.

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

I feel like my new solo record Submarine Sounds is the best thing I
have created so far and my greatest live moment came in 2009 when my
band THE RUSE played a pre-show for U2 at the Rose Bowl.

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

What initially attracted me to music was the connection that it made
me feel to something bigger than myself.  I have a special place in my
heart for a lot of the music that came out in the 1960's.  Sometimes I
wish that music still wielded that same force in the mainstream
culture today that it did then.  That said I'm not so sure that music
can change the world in a global sense but I know from first hand
experience the absolute power that music has to change peoples inner
world.

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

Computers can be seen as a double edged sword for musicians. On one
hand it is fantastic that so many artists can make great sounding
records in their bedroom and then upload them to the internet for all the
world to hear.  The downside is that it really levels the playing
field to the point where the days of the really big bands are behind
us.  It is a complex issue but I think that this is a very exciting
time to be making music.

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

In my next life I would like to be a pair of green and yellow Onitsuka
Tiger's.  They are fun, comfortable and great for
keeping me moving to the beat!