Simply Six: Mike Grutka

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 seems like I've always been around music.  Started playing violin in 3rd grade.  My parents were always playing records and singing along.  I think if i had to narrow it down to one thing it would be the first time I ever performed solo in public.  I was pretty awful, but hit one or two songs pretty good and the feeling of that.  'That' being making the right sounds and having a response from a crowd.  As far as writing, I'm still not sure how that started but it just seemed like something I needed to do.  The first song I ever finished was called 'California'.  I still play it at shows.  That experience had more impact on me.  Having something there that never existed before and having it sound the way it did because I made up all those words and parts.

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

Man- I always have something on.  I LOVE REM, and I got the Beatles Mono Masters last year and that got me back into them in a big way.

I'm all over the place.  And for how many times you get asked this question you'd think I'd have a list ready!   Currently I've been listening to a lot of Sigur Ros, radiohead, Beach House.  Love the new Ray LaMontagne single, there's a mix in my car with an Eurythmics song "I save the World Today' which I love.  Really like 'Furr' by blitzen Trapper, 'Trace' by Son Volt.  'Boxer' by The National.

A short list of favorites:  Flaming Lips, REM, Radiohead, World Party, Counting Crows, Hothouse Flowers, Crowded House, Neil Young, Jayhawks, and yes, John Denver.

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

Live is easy- I just returned home from playing a big festival, Jensen Beach Pineapple Festival, in Florida.  I played right before .38 Special who was headlining and there were easily 5,000 people there when I began.  I fully expected the usual 'polite applause' reaction you get at times when people are waiting for the headliner, but the roar that came off the crowd after each song was amazing.

On record, I think that my song 'Lifetime' off of 'Ria' is exactly how I wanted it to be.  It captured all the emotion I was going for.  'The Sea' is good that way too.  On the new CD, 'February Sessions',  I think that 'She Said' nailed it in my eyes too.  It's awesome when you can get the feeling of the lyrics and music just right with the right sounds, builds, tempos etc.  That's a big thing for me, having the mood of the music match the lyrical intent or vice versa and the 3 I listed are the closest I've come to 'getting it right' if there is such a thing....

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

I think that music has changed the world at times.  Bob Dylan, The Beatles--hell they impacted thought, style, fashion, art....music.  still do.  I think currently that what is thrown out as Top 40 or 'popular' music is kinda thin.  It's more about parties and bling.  But there is a ton of music that still tries to 'say something'  Music can do both.  I think it should.  There's a place for both types.  I think anyone who's honest will tell you the impact a certain song/album/artist has or had at different parts of their life.  Music is one of the only things that last that way.   Think of a song from your childhood, college etc.  Hearing it takes you back to that exact moment/feeling/situation.    Can music influence current events?  I think that these days anything that tries to infuence the world is immediately torn down and labeled as something 'bad' :  liberal, socialist, hippie-ish, etc.  I remember when the first gulf war started and all those artists got together to redo 'give peace a chance'.  It hit me as odd that no one was trying to write a NEW song about it.  And it became a kind of joke about the rich rock stars cashing in on the war.

Then there are things that can appeal to all the areas of life.  Green Day's 'American Idiot' was popular AND had big thoughts.  I think it holds up.  How much effect it has beyond that I think is dependent on the listeners enacting some kind of change in their life due to the message in the music.  It's out there if you want to grab it.

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

Apparently the music industry is a wreck!  haha.  I think it's good and bad.  Obviously with all the illegal file sharing there's an issue there.  You never get a straight answer--some (labels) cry foul and that it loses $$.  Some artists say it made their career.  Some say give it away, some say never.  I think it HAS cost money for many many independent artists.  I think people are less willing to buy CD's which help out indie bands sooooo much.  So buy them people!

I think that technology has been great for me in the recording arena.  I have a studio in my home and have been able to have the freedom to work as much and as often as I can without worrying aobut studio costs.  It's also a lot easier to get people like you song samples and have a place where everyone can check you out first.  In a way now everyone is a local and global band at the same time.  I LOVE the i-pod.  I can always have the newest version of a song available to me to compare takes, ideas etc.  That's amazing to me.

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

Well, Bawbwa, I'd have to say Hiking Boots.